LAKE Boga Foreshore Parkrun celebrated its fourth birthday on January 18, and chalked up the 187th time it has been held.
Seventy-six people participated in the milestone event with the assistance of 12 volunteers.
Party hats and streamers were dotted throughout the crowd as they gathered at the start line, waiting for 8am to tick over.
Volunteers brought along cupcakes, freshly cut watermelon and the ever-popular Zooper Doopers to enjoy at the finish line after completing the 5km event.
There was a sea of runners, joggers and walkers, children in prams and an assortment of excited dogs on leashes.
Event director, Sarah Crook said the event was enjoyed by both local residents and visitors.
“It was great to see families and large groups of people combining a social catch-up with park run,” she said.
“Throughout the festive season, many of the participants have been holidaying in the Swan Hill and Lake Boga region and have made the event part of their Christmas holiday tradition.
“During the December and January holiday period, the number of participants each Saturday has been outstanding.
“In recent weeks there have been 76, 65, 56 and 91 people on the Saturday between Christmas and New Year’s period which was the event’s fourth highest number since starting on January 16, 2021.
“The average number of finishers each week is 37, so event organisers have been extremely pleased with these numbers.”
The free event is held every Saturday morning and starts near the jetty and playground on Jacaranda Crescent and finishes next to the Lake Boga Ski Club on Willakool Drive.
Each event begins with a short briefing to welcome newcomers, celebrate milestones and provide an overview of the ‘out and back’ course that follows the path to the boat ramp on Lakeside Drive.
“Even though the event is called parkrun, it’s definitely not just for runners,” Ms Crooks said.
“Many of the weekly participants complete the course by walking or combining walking and jogging.
“The average finish time is approximately 40 minutes and the volunteer role of the ‘Tail Walker’ must complete the course last to ensure that all participants finish safely.
“Upon registering online, parkrun participants are given a unique registration code so that results can be tracked at any of the 2000+ locations worldwide in 22 different countries.”
New volunteers are always welcome at Lake Boga Foreshore and are supported to learn the ropes of any of the roles on offer.
To register, please visit www.parkrun.com.au and for more information, please contact event director, Sarah Crook on 0408 515 082.
