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Mangawhai could soon join other communities across New Zealand hosting a weekly parkrun, with organisers looking for volunteers and a suitable venue to help get the event up and running.
Former Millwater parkrun event director Rhys Spyve is spearheading a drive to start a Mangawhai chapter of the popular event and is looking for people to get involved.
Parkrun began in 2004, when a small group of runners gathered for a timed run in Bushy Park, London. Little did the 13 people who turned up that day know the event would soon grow into a global movement.
Today, around 75 locations across New Zealand host free weekly 5km timed run/walk events, and despite its increasing popularity, Mangawhai is yet to host one of its own.
“There are a group of volunteers who are keen to start a parkrun in Mangawhai, so I offered to help. At the moment we are looking to build a team of volunteers to run the event,” Spyve says.
Spyve has been participating in parkrun for over a decade and says he has seen first-hand the benefits it brings to communities.
“What I have seen over the years is incredible. It is a wonderful community event; there are just so many pluses to it all. It has been amazing for all kinds of people and is great for mental wellbeing. People really come out of their shell when they are involved; a lot of people love it so much they become volunteers. I can’t speak highly enough about it.”
People don’t have to look far to see some of the inspirational stories that parkrun has provided. In fact, New Zealand was home to one of the oldest parkrunners in the world. Colin Thorne, a well-known and much-loved figure, who passed away at 102 earlier this year after completing more than 250 parkruns.
Before a Mangawhai event can be launched, organisers must establish a suitable course and complete a detailed approval process. Spyve says potential locations being explored include MAZ and the Mangawhai Domain, although no venue has been confirmed.
Spyve says finding the right location is one of the biggest challenges.
“There are a lot of rules and regulations you must adhere to, and if vehicles have access to the track, we can’t use it.”
While locations are being explored, Spyve says he is keen to hear from landowners or people who may know of another suitable site.
He also wants volunteers to know they won’t be doing it alone. “I’ll be there to help set up the parkrun in the earlier days, but once it is up and running, it will grow and grow,” he says.
Spyve believes Mangawhai has the potential to become one of New Zealand’s standout parkrun locations.
“People are always out running and enjoying the outdoors in Mangawhai and once we find the best place for a course, it has the opportunity to be one of the best parkruns in the country.”
Those keen to volunteer their land or time to establish a parkrun in Mangawhai are invited to contact Rhys Spyve via email, rl_plumbing@xtra.co.nz
Fast Facts: What is parkrun?
Free volunteer-led 5km timed run/walk.
Held every Saturday at 8am.
Open to everyone over the age of four.
Participants register once to receive a barcode. The same barcode can be used at parkrun events around New Zealand and the world.
Participants receive recorded times and milestones are celebrated.
