Bargara parkrun is preparing to celebrate its senior participants who walk, run and volunteer as part of an Over 80s Celebration Day on Saturday 23 September.
The free weekly event takes place at 6.45 am for a 7 am start at Nielsen Park.
There is no age limit at parkrun and the events recognise regular participation rather than performance.
Everyone is welcome to walk or run the 5 km course, help out in a range of volunteering roles, or simply spectate and support.
Since parkrun started in Australia in 2011, 1266 people around the country aged 80 and over have walked and run at parkrun events a combined total of 34,379 times.
544 individuals in this age group have collectively volunteered more than 8,000 times.
Bargara parkrun event director Phil Dunkley said the parkrun event itself would operate as normal, but there would be an extra focus on encouraging older people and their families to come along and celebrate their involvement.
“parkrun is a wonderful intergenerational activity because there are so many ways to participate,” Phil said.
“It encourages people to have conversations with other locals of different ages who they otherwise might not interact with.
“The older people who take part in our parkrun are an inspiration to all of us and we would love to see some new faces at our celebration day.
“You don’t have to run, you can walk, volunteer or come along for a chat.
“There is something at parkrun for everybody and it’s free.”
parkruns place a strong emphasis on building community connections and everyone is invited to Cob-Café on Bauer, Bargara Central for a coffee and a chat after the event.
parkrun Australia recently conducted a survey of 207 participants aged 80 and over, with more than 90% of respondents revealing their main motivation for coming to parkrun was because it helps them to be more active.
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