Parkrun is an free weekly five kilometre timed run hosted around the world.

On December 15 the large tree fell down, blocking access across Alexandra Lake, which formed a part of Park Run’s official route.

Volunteer event director Tricia Ruthven said council contacted her as soon as it happened.

“The council were concerned it would interfere with our course but they couldn’t be certain,” she said.

“I came to the park the next day and I saw the path was blocked off.

“The council came down here with me and assisted with trying to find ways around it.

“They were very good in helping us – of course safety is the first priority for everyone.”

Mrs Ruthven said that it was the first time since Ararat’s Parkrun began in April 2017 that they could not host a timed session.

“Some people still went and walked an alternate route – their times couldn’t be recorded though.

“We were disappointed. We had some visitors from Melbourne come especially to run on our course but unfortunately, they just missed all the correspondence about the cancellation.

“The group did say they would be back, which was good.”

Mrs Ruthven said Christmas made it a very stressful time to try to get a new route organised.

“I immediately got onto our Parkrun organisers to get a new course approved in time for the next weekend,” she said.

“We didn’t want to change the whole course – that just makes it difficult.

“I had to do a whole heap of paperwork and risk assessments on the new temporary course.

“Parkrun headquarters were amazing and worked on Boxing Day to approve the changes so we wouldn’t miss another Saturday.”

The new course incorporates a part of Alexandra Oval, which Mrs Ruthven said could clash with football – depending on how long the removal of the tree takes.

On average the Ararat course has more than 35 participants who complete the full 5km route every Saturday.

“Parkruns aren’t just for local residents. They are a great way for tourists to come to Ararat,” she said.

“I had one tourist tell me they had visited the Grampians every week for 10 years but never came to Ararat.

“Now, because of Parkrun, they come to Ararat when visiting the Grampians.”

Mrs Ruthven said Parkrun is open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.

“We would love to see more people join us. It’s all about being brave for the very first time,” she said.

“All people need to do is get in their car and join us with a pair of runners at 8am on Saturdays.

“It is such a friendly environment where everyone is welcome.”

Mrs Ruthven said Parkrun is a great way to keep fit and a great way to meet people.

“I have lived in Ararat almost all of my life and have met people that I never have before,” she said.

“People who might not have something in common with now have a mutual interest.

“I can’t describe in enough words how supportive everyone is – from the fastest runner to those who walk most weeks.

“Parkrun is all about doing your best and bettering your self to beat your time.”

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