By Etsuko Yasunaga
EASTER Saturday, after six week’s absence, 82 participants and volunteers gathered at the picnic table to support the joyous return of our beloved parkrun.
The sun was shining and the air was fresh - what a beautiful morning for walking, jogging and running!
Well done Natalie Jukes and Susan De Silva for taking the first step. We had 10 visitors from Karkarook, Birdsland, Pakenham, Traralgon, and Inverloch.
Mal Dunn, Shane Archer, Rob and Kerrieann Arthurson, Jess Boys, Brian and Allyson Opray, Lachlan Bramley, Lucinda Palmer and Daniella Davis – wonderful to see you join GRRT parkrun.
Hope you enjoyed your visit to this beautiful course and will come back soon.
Alan McKenzie achieved his 50th milestone today with his trusty doggy friend Mia by his side, Alan enjoyed the return of GRRT parkrun.
He has done 49 at GRRT parkrun and one event at Gladstone QLD parkrun. Fourteen people smashed their previous records today. Renee Baddock (1:03:11), Eden Baddock (1:02:54), Harper Baddock (1:02:41), Greg Dell (43:05), Jan Hamilton (37:47), Penny Newman (32:20), Paul and Toby Watson (30:01), Katie Hamilton (29:08), Lisa Worden (28:23), Brylie Hamilton (28:15), Issy Bowden (24:59), Mick Bolding (24:17) and Tim Bowden (21:09). Congratulations and well done on your wonderful efforts.
It was business as usual when RD Jodie thanked volunteers, welcomed visitors and first timers at the briefing until she informed us about the scar of the devastating storm on the trail.
Her voice was emotional and I could feel the pain. I’m grateful that I was warned and mentally prepared. What I noticed most today was a sharp scent from freshly cut trees at first. My olfactory sense was already awakened when I hit that corner. So much light was coming through those branchless trees. Still majestic, tall trees but our beloved green canopy was gone. I needed to breathe in deep to absorb. I felt a tight lump in my throat. I’ve seen the change through photos; however, nothing prepared me for actually being there amongst damaged trees.
Still, I could see the beauty in the changed landscape. Stillness and peacefulness were present. I kept on running, focusing on the sound of my footsteps. As I headed towards the turnaround sign, faster runners were already coming back towards me. Some were seriously focused but many had big smiles on their faces. People were just so happy to be out and exercising again on the trail.
The return of regular parkrun means so much to Mirboo North community. It was indeed such a joyous occasion to be celebrated. The landscape may have changed drastically but the pulsating
heartbeat of parkrun is still present in people, in the community spirit. Oh boy, talk about the unbreakable and resilient spirit of community! Mirboo North has shone brightly. On my return uphill run, I accepted the changed scenery as a new reality and I’m now OK with it.
Ever since the devastating storm of February 13, I’ve been thinking of helping GRRT parkrun. I chose to volunteer today with other Wonthaggi Road Runners because I love the beautiful course and the tight knit community of Mirboo North. It was so lovely to catch up with familiar faces of GRRT parkrun community. I’m so looking forward to visiting here again soon.
Today’s event was made possible by 15 dedicated volunteers. Jodie Pincini as run director, Christine Slavin and Andy Chisholm as timekeepers, Anne McDonald handled finish tokens, Miriam Strickland as event day course check and barcode scanner, Stephanie and Henry Collins were tail walkers and Sue Charlton, Renee, Eden and Harper Baddock as parkwalkers, Anne Holland was our photographer and Rongshang (Linda) Zhang sorted finish tokens. Liz Radcliff helped with equipment storage and delivery, and Etsuko Yasunaga as report writer. Our roster is bare so please put your name down on volunteer roster whenever you can. It’s really a wonderful way to start your weekend to connect with others because parkrun brings out the best in people and its community.
