Nanango’s Ros Gregor Trail parkrun celebrates 200th event milestone

Nanango’s Ros Gregor Trail parkrun reached a significant milestone on the weekend, largely thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the strong sense of community fostered since its inception.

Nanango’s Ros Gregor Trail parkrun

Nanango’s Ros Gregor Trail parkrun reached a significant milestone on Saturday with its 200th event, celebrating the dedication of volunteers and the strong sense of community fostered since its inception five years ago.

This popular free community event, run entirely by volunteers, began on October 12, 2019 and has seen a total of 1579 unique participants crossing the finish line a combined 7890 times.

Volunteers from Nanango’s Ros Gregor Trail parkrun celebrated the 200th parkrun on Saturday.

The Ros Gregor Trail course record was set during the very first parkrun by Matthew Rankin, who completed the 5km course in just 15 minutes and 13 seconds. The current female record is held by Gabrielle Schmidt, who finished with a time of 18 minutes and 53 seconds on April 8, 2023.

Parkrun originated in 2004 in Bushy Park, Teddington, UK, where 13 runners and five volunteers braved a blustery day to participate in the inaugural event.

Shino, Alison, Rebecca Offord, Leisa Green, Melissa Ballin, Kellie Irene, Jae and Monica

Since then, parkrun boasts over nine million runners across more than 2300 locations in 22 countries, covering five continents.

Therese Woodward, who started the Nanango parkrun with her husband Martin, expressed pride in the event’s community impact.

“I thought it would be a great way to get people in the community into a healthy, supportive environment and am very pleased with all the different connections it offers to our community as well as bringing people into our town,” Ms Woodward said.

South Burnett Regional councillor Jane Erkens is a regular volunteer at the Nanango Ros Gregor Trail parkrun.

Nanango parkrun Event Director Maxine Whitbread reflected on the efforts involved in keeping the event running smoothly.

“Gemma Pedron and I took over the roles of Event Directors after Therese and Martin needed a break. Volunteering is hard. You need to organise the roster and you are up early each week to get the equipment to the track,” Ms Whitbread said.

She said she would love it if people who hadn’t volunteered before came and gave it a go.

Local businesses have also become involved in the weekly event with Peries IGA donating ice blocks each week while the local BP service station lets the organisers store equipment.
The local council also makes sure to keep the track mowed.

Rebecca Offord, Leisa Green and Melissa Ballin during Nanango’s 200th parkrun on Saturday.

Regular participant and volunteer Leisa Green shared her appreciation for the event.

“Parkrun is a great place to meet up with friends and enjoy the beauty of nature while also getting in some exercise,” Ms Green said.

“There’s also visitors from other regions, so you get to make new friends as well.

“Without volunteers, it wouldn’t happen, so volunteering gives me a chance to give back to the community and ensure that we can all continue to have a parkrun in our town.”