Two laps around Australia and going strong

The horn blew.

More than 1600 feet thundered towards the finish line.

The clang of a cowbell echoed across the St Lucia campus.

It was 24 March 2018, and more than 800 runners had flocked to The University of Queensland to take part in the very first St Lucia parkrun.

The launch was the biggest in Australian parkrun history.

Since then more than 6000 runners have completed the 5km course along the river.

The runners have travelled 27,000km – equivalent to 1.8 laps of Australia.

And they’re still going strong.

Last Saturday, runners from around Brisbane assembled at the UQ St Lucia campus to celebrate St Lucia parkrun’s first anniversary, dressed as their favourite superheroes.

The theme is fitting given the super effort that has gone in to running the event, which is supported by more than 630 volunteers, UQ and UQ Sport.

Event Director Paul Clayton said the free fun run wouldn’t be possible without its army of volunteers.

“I started the event for two reasons,” he said.

“Firstly, I love the way that parkrun is free. It’s organised by volunteers purely so people can get out and get healthier.

“I’d especially like to thank Greg Pringle, who supported us; Steve Dickson and his team, who backed us; Shane Biddle, who worked with us on the running track; and UQ Sport, who paid for the initial registration and setup and still support us with storage for our event equipment.

“Secondly, it’s a great way to bring together the community.

“I have made so many great friends from St Lucia parkrun and am immensely proud of the event that our volunteers provide for the students and community.”

Want to join the fun?

The 5km run starts at 7am every Saturday.

There is a briefing at 6.50am for newbies and first timers.

Dogs are allowed to run or walk with their owners.

Prams are also allowed.

For more details, check out the website and Facebook page.