High-vis heroes at the heart of parkrun

Puffing your way through a 5km run on a Saturday morning might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but after completing her first parkrun one frosty morning in May 2023, Briony O'Farrell was hooked.

An account manager in the outdoor industry, she soon convinced partner Dave to come along.

“He started by walking the course, then volunteering, and before long he was running 5km in under 30 minutes!” Briony says. 

“It’s the people, the encouragement and the shared sense of purpose that keeps us coming back and the volunteering adds another layer of connection. It feels great to support others and see people of all ages and backgrounds getting active.”

Parkrun is an international organisation that runs free, timed five kilometre runs in parks and open spaces around the world at 8am on Saturday mornings. 

“Everyone comes to parkruns!" says Briony.  "We see kids in prams, retirees, serious runners, walkers, people recovering from injury, and our furry “barkrunner” friends – you name it.”

Briony and Dave have been instrumental in setting up its latest incarnation in Christchurch, with the inaugural Riverlution parkrun taking place on Saturday 14 June. 

“It’s about bringing the parkrun experience to a new part of the city – an area that has seen a lot of regeneration since the 2011 earthquakes. There’s a real sense of pride in seeing something so positive and community-focussed take root here,” says Briony, who along with Dave is  Co-Event Director. 

The new course is flat and scenic, following parts of the City to Sea Pathway from the Riverlution Cafe. 

Red Zone Manager at Christchurch City Council Dave Little says it’s great the pathway’s potential for creating community connection through recreation is being realised.

“For neighbourhoods such as Avonside, Richmond, Linwood and Dallington the new parkrun is within easy reach and it’s also an opportunity for people from other parts of the city to come along and see how the area is evolving.”

With the success of parkrun events like the original Hagley parkrun, Scarborough, Halswell, Broad Park and now Riverlution, there will be seven parkrun events within a 30-minute drive of the CBD.

“Our city is unique – we have so many green spaces, a flat landscape, and a strong culture of volunteering and community support. It’s the perfect mix for parkrun to thrive!" Briony says. 

“Every event is 100% run by volunteers - timekeepers, marshals, barcode scanners and tail walkers, every single role is voluntary. Our high-vis heroes are the heart of parkrun."

It’s also a great way for people who may not want to run or walk to still feel involved, form social connections and have something to look forward to each Saturday.

“You don’t need any experience to help you out – just enthusiasm and a smile!”