Ararat Parkrun enjoyed a strong turnout as volunteers and participants alike celebrated the event's fourth birthday.
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Ararat Parkrun was founded in 2016. The fee to join the worldwide Parkrun initiative was paid by Ararat Rural City Council and The Biggest Loser following the season the television show ran in Ararat.
The free event has people gather at Alexandra Gardens each Saturday morning to run or walk a five kilometre course.
While there is no cost to being part of the initiative after the initial fee, many volunteer hours are needed to ensure the event consistently runs.
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Ararat Parkrun organiser Tricia Ruthven has volunteered much of her own time throughout the event's existence. However, she said she had always had plenty of support.
"We have a really good core group that I can rely on," she said.
"Whether someone is away, or someone is sick, or we're short of volunteer numbers one week for whatever reason, I have a great group that will just step in.
"Angela (Reynolds) is a great example, she has volunteered at 100 Parkruns, my sister Irene Kelly has also done over 100.
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"So I have a really good group of people who will step in if I'm stuck."
The dedication of the volunteers was crucial to the event's resumption post-lockdown.
Ms Ruthven said the participants had also helped ensure its return was a success.
"People have been extremely accepting of the changes and no one has complained. It's been really good," she said.
Ararat Parkrun's birthday celebrations on Saturday, April 24, included many of the event's regular participants and several who were visiting during their travels.
Ms Ruthven said Ararat Parkrun's glowing reputation within the Parkrun community has helped it attract people from out of town.
"Parkrun tourism is very popular. We get quite a few tourists here," she said.
"On the Parkrun Facebook pages we often get mentioned as one of the most friendly Parkrun's that people have been to. We're well known for it.
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"In this world today, it's nice to be known as friendly."
Ararat Parkrun is held each Saturday at 8am.
The track takes people on four laps of the gardens, amounting to a total of five kilometres.
People can walk, run, or just do part of the course, with entry free to everyone.
Participants wanting to receive their time for the race are encouraged to register in advance but people are also welcomed to simply turn up on the day.
For more information head to https://www.parkrun.com.au/ararat/.
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