Parkrun hits a century

Parkrun Dalby is hitting a century this saturday and wants to reach 100 runners for the milestone.

HITTING A CENTURY: Dalby Parkrun is celebrating their greatest achievement yet. Picture: Meg Gannon

RUNNERS from far and wide are lacing up their shoes for a massive milestone.

Dalby Parkrun are celebrating their 100th event, just a few short weeks away from their second birthday.

Run director for this week, Ben Otto, is keen for the Parkrun to hit another milestone on the special day.

"We'd really love to hit 100 runners for the hundred,” Mr Otto said.

"We came very close last week. We had 92.”

Hitting 100 runs is a milestone the whole community is excited by. Mr Otto believes the support of the Dalby community is what has led the group to reach 100 events.

"I think it's great that the community can support it,” Mr Otto said.

"Over the hundred runs that we've had there's certainly been people who have come and gone, and more people are coming on board as well.”

Mr Otto himself has participated in 67 Parkruns, volunteered at 17, and directed 13 times.

"I had just retired from football and wanted to stay active,” Mr Otto said.

"I had been doing some running by myself, and it's very hard to stay motivated.”

"When I saw that this group had started up and there was no pressure on how fast or well you could do it, it seemed like an easy way to do one run a week with a group.”

The parkrun is an open group that welcomes all ages, and running abilities .

Mr Otto appreciates the welcoming atmosphere of the event, and credits the community.

"A lot of that is also from the parkrun's ethos from when it was first set up,” Mr Otto said.

"It's not an elite runner's group.

"It's trying to be inclusive of everyone.

"There's certainly no hurrying up of anyone that wants to do it at their own pace.”

Dalby Parkrun have spent the last two months celebrating their many achievements.

On February 16, Parkrun will be celebrating its second birthday.

Runners are encouraged to dress according to the Where's Wally theme.

Parkrun is held on the corner of Edward St and Jimbour St, and begins at 6.50am.