Kamloops is joining the global Parkrun community.
The five-kilometre Riverside Parkrun is slated to be held every Saturday, weather permitting, beginning on Sept. 23.
Canada is one of 20 countries in which the weekly jaunts take place, with walkers, joggers, volunteers and spectators invited to the free event.
“It’s another avenue where we can contribute to Kamloops community,” said Jo Berry, who is among Riverside Parkrun’s volunteer organizers. “They’re all over the world and I’ve been wanting to do this for a really long time.”
Not backed by any club or organization, the event — one of 47 Parkruns in Canada — is run entirely by volunteers, more of whom will be needed if sustained success is to be achieved.
Email riversidekamloops@parkrun.com to volunteer.
Participants will start at 9 a.m. near the Kamloops Riverside Lawn Bowling Club. Go online to parkrun.ca/riversidekamloops for more information on the event and to see the complete course route.
“It’s a way for people to get healthier and to make friends,” Berry said, noting participants will gather at downtown coffee shops after the event wraps up. “It’s all about inclusiveness and wellbeing.”
Participants need only register once to sign up to take part in as many of the weekly offerings as they wish.
Register online at parkrun.ca (find Riverside Parkrun in the Home Parkrun drop-down menu).
Those wishing to see their results online must download or print the barcode received after the registration process is complete.
