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Koonwarra parkrun

Locality: Koonwarra, Victoria, Australia

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25.01.2022 Good morning parkrunners and happy (not) parkrun day! This week I would love to see what our furry little parkrun friends get up to on a Saturday morning now. This is my new addition Lulu who is still learning to walk on a lead and is excited for everything around her. The rail trail has been great to get her out on and exploring. I cannot wait to introduce her to all our favourite parkrun buddies. ... So show us what your furry parkrun accompaniments are doing now! Lani RD

25.01.2022 Good morning everyone, welcome to another Koonwarra non parkrun. Now, if I was standing on the picnic table Id be thanking our volunteers, as parkrun cant run without our volunteers. Id also be asking if we had any tourists, milestones and first timers. Also if there were any special celebrations. I believe there is something to celebrate as our Ebony and ScoMo have hatched a Harriet May on Mothers Day. Wishing you all well and that everyone is doing what theyre meant to be. Restrictions are beginning to ease so hopefully we can get back to parkrun soon. Let us know what your parkrun goals are when we get back.

23.01.2022 Good morning everyone, welcome to Koonwarra parkrun....oh how I wish I was standing up at the picnic table!! They say music (and parkrun) has the unique ability to connect people! Listening or singing to music can play a role in closeness and connection and new research shows it may be particularly potent in bringing about social togetherness, wellness and creativity! I wasnt smart (or game) enough to sing and put together one of those accapello videos but Ive put together... our families walking & running adventures over isolation!! TODAYS CHALLENGE is to send in a photo or video of; your walking or running adventures or simply a wave to let us know youre still there and Ill put it into a music clip! So if youre reading this (locals and tourists), and want to be featured, flick through your photo album and send it in. Ill need a few - 4min 39sec worth to be precise!! And the million dollar question - When will I see you again?!! (not) parkrun RD Amy PS - dont forget to log your (not) parkrun times!! #parkrun #parkrunau #loveparkrun #koonwarraparkrun #notparkrunday

23.01.2022 It’s not quite parkrun day but we are busting to share these brilliant photos that parkrunner, Fiona Dalgleish sent us during the week. The photos were taken in 2012 and are along our parkrun course heading towards Meeniyan from Koonwarra. Hope everyone has enjoyed the school holidays. Don’t forget that day light savings begins this weekend. Some extra daylight to enjoy.

23.01.2022 Sorry about the sleepy slow start to this soggy Saturday from RD Kelly this week...snoozed through the siren! Big congrats to Amy White and all who had a go at her amazing mathematical mind bender last week...OMG, the shoes!!! Time to get my eyes checked. This week you definitely need those speed shoes on because you only have 5 minutes to see how many words you can make from the letters in KOONWARRA PARKRUN. ... Each letter can only be used once and no names (like Scrabble). Let us know how many you managed in 5 minutes and list your words. Shoes on ...glasses on ...timer on ...GO!

22.01.2022 Start your Valentines weekend with a hot date that really gets your heart pumping - Koony parkrun! Why not bring someone special along to share the (physically distant) love with.

22.01.2022 Happy Parkrun Day to All (I think its Saturday ) Today is the 25th April which means its also ANZAC DAY. I hope everyone is keeping it contact with family and friends. It has been a while since we have had a "Kids Take Over Koony Parkrun" so i have added a few colouring pages to keep our little park runners busy. Please colour them in and post your photos here. ... We would love to see them. Hope everyone is staying safe and keeping active. Cant wait to see everyone at the picnic table in the future. See more

22.01.2022 I know.. its only Thursday.. its not not-parkrun day just yet.. but one of our parkrunners has found a shoe along the rail trail. We would love to help find its owner.. Found this shoe on the rail trail near Meeniyan. Placed the shoe on the post behind the Service Station on the rail trail. If you know anyone who is missing their shoe, please let them know!

21.01.2022 In desperate need of a change of scenery this week, I masked up and visited our beloved Koonwarra parkrun. Must admit, I started to feel a bit emotional. I realised that Koonwarra parkrun has a particular smell. Not only the smell of eucalyptus, but friendliness and happiness. Even though it was just Harriet, Patch and I, we were surrounded by voices of our parkrun friends. As we went over the bridges I saw faces of those I am used to seeing on a Saturday morning. Pushing me along further and that anticipation of catching up with them at the finish line. I also smelt something else.. hope. Happy Fathers Day to all those special blokes out there for tomorrow. Im looking forward to walking beside my dad when parkrun returns. x Ebony

20.01.2022 Some orange inspiration from our backyard. Thanks Koonwarra parkrun vollies. You do a super job. park runners have you any captured any orange during Iso? Or see what you can find in your weekend activities? Maybe you have orange in your exercise outfit, a sign thats high vis or a sunset. Lets show some orange for volunteer week.

20.01.2022 Hey parkrunners...can you think of a clever name for our back up course? Remember to send us your ideas so we can include them in our poll this weekend!

19.01.2022 Good morning Koony parkrunners, welcome to (not)parkrunday, what a cracker of a morning its a bit crackly around home, theres frost on the lawn at the moment. Hope youre all well and managing to get some exercise throughout the week. Speaking of exercise, dont forget that (not)parkrun is happening everyday, you can do the 5km distance in your own time and post it in your profile under (not)parkrun. Important business for this week is voting for a nickname for our alt...ernative course. The alternative course is for use whenever the official course cannot be used, such as when the road construction crew have restricted access to the course whilst they are working in that vicinity, this restriction will be temporary. So far Gwyther Exchange and Fairy Hollow are in the lead, followed by The Recourse, and Plan B. There is a link to the voting form: https://forms.gle/RtPfm37Yn7qjbA6w6 Have a look at the form and vote for your favourite name, we had 59 votes overall to create this shortlist. Thanks to Steve Fuery for the great work with the pie chart. Have a great week everyone, stay safe, might have to design some parkrun facemasks... Felicity, virtual RD #(not)parkrun #loveparkrun See more

19.01.2022 Also, if you know of someone who would be coming to parkrun tomorrow that doesn’t use Facebook, could you please let them know... Thanks team Koonwarra

19.01.2022 On this wet, out of whack AFL grand final weekend, one wonders what would have been at Koony parkrun this morning? Would La Niña have filled our tunnel so, as we can't all fit on Peter's 'Koonwarra Ketch', our alternate Gwyther Exchange course would have had it's debut? One can only speculate if we would have seen the return of the infamous 'Specky Stick' to celebrate the feline footy final...for those who care!... Or would we have been finalising our fancy costumes for our 3rd birthday themed parkrun? (Definitely!) Who knows? But one thing is certain. parkrun will return, with all of the fun, friendship, fitness and fur babies we love. Happy long weekend everyone! How about posting a story or some pics to share how you're spending it! RD Kelly

18.01.2022 It’s been 6 months since our last regular parkrun. Yes, there’s the (not) parkrun option, but we can all go and complete a 5km run/walk/hop/skip/jump any day of the week That is not what parkrun is about. It’s about the gathering. The hygge. For those of you who don’t know this term, it is Danish for a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment and wellbeing This is a well known feeling at Koonwarra parkrun. Our gathering on ...a Saturday morning is more important than the 5km we complete or how we complete it. It’s about the people gathering together and sharing something in common. It’s the connection we make with others in the day. Seeing friends and families and pets all gathering together. And then there’s what we call the parkrun family. So a big shoutout to all our parkrun family 6 months on of no real parkrun. Hopefully we will be back soon. More parkruns are slowly opening up around the world. Let us know what you are doing today for your (not) parkrun day. See more

18.01.2022 Good morning! Its your non-parkRun Director, Ebony here. Firstly, a big THANK YOU to our parkrun family for your kind words and well wishes as we welcomed our Harriet into the world. We have been thrilled to read everyones comments and know we are surrounded by so much parkrun love! And secondly, a little challenge for this chilly winters day! ... SHOW ME YOUR SOCKS Post a picture of your favourite socks, running socks, comfy socks, funny socks, well worn socks or todays socks! This is Harriet wearing her socks ready for her parkrun debut whenever that may be.

17.01.2022 Happy (not)parkrun day! This week we want to share with you our plans for an alternate back up course and invite you to help us name it. Remember our famous tunnel flood that caused parkrun to be cancelled? (Joel sure does!) This alternate course will be a handy, risk-assessed, parkrun-approved backup course so the event can still go ahead. ... The course will start on the other side of Koonwarra-Inverloch Rd and head towards Leongatha. The turnaround will be just short of Hogans Rd and well need to do two loops to make up 5k. It will still be Koonwarra parkrun and theres even another picnic table to start from, but we thought it would be nice to give it a fun local name. This is where you come in! Were asking you to add your clever ideas in the comments below and in a couple of weeks well run a poll to find a winner! Some ideas so far include: - Plan B - The top paddock - The Far Side (for Gary Larson fans) - Fairy Hollow - Fairy door-dle Why not give it a try for your (not)parkrun this week if you need some naming inspiration? Have a great weekend! RD Steve

17.01.2022 Welcome everyone to Koonwarra Not parkrun on 10th October 2020. Let me introduce myself, I am Sue Ritchie your Run Director for today. I would like to say congratulations to all you inspiring people who have continued to run/walk/jog in some fashion. It is inspiring, unfortunately I cannot say the same for myself, but I am there with you in spirit, but can't wait to be back out there with you all as you all know I am a social beast and love to exercise with others. My most ...pleasurable experience of parkrun, is the engagement of everyone from all walks of life getting out together and supporting each other, whilst participating in exercise. So bring on the return of parkrun, but in the meantime, in true Run Director form a couple of important reminders for the enjoyment of your run experiences; * Please be careful of the gaps at the bridges, * Please keep to the left and be mindful of other shared rail trail users * Children under 11 you know what to do, keep pacing mum and dad so they can keep up with you and they stay in arms distance of you * Our parkrun furry friends, get your owners out of bed and give them your leash, it there are two of you, ask them to bring a friend * Always remember to encourage everyone you see and give them a high five * Don't forget to turn around at your desired half way point * Remember only cross the finish line once, but unfortunately you'll have to time yourselves as I am still in my PJ's this morning (maybe we should have a PJ parkrun one day :) *Please have your phone with you as our tail walker can't keep track of you all today, just in case you need assistance * If you are doing Not parkrun don't forget to record it * Most of all have a fabulous day and we can't wait till we can see you all again soon. Take care until next time............ Sue xxxxxxxxxxxxx PS. if there is anyone who might like to join our team of Run Directors, the more the merrier and it is very easy, please let us know.

16.01.2022 How are we travelling parkrun friends?

16.01.2022 Its time to vote for our back-up courses (unofficial) name! This week, weve listed all your fantastic suggestions, so cast your vote (one vote only please!) and next week well post the short list with the most popular names so you can vote again to choose the winner! Click below to go to the poll, happy (not)parkrun day!!

15.01.2022 Its volunteer week. To celebrate our volunteers at Koonwarra parkrun we set the orange challenge. Here are some of the orange colours the Koonwarra parkrun community have found over the weekend. Have you any to add?

13.01.2022 Well that was an exercise (see below puzzle) Hows everyone feeling? Didnt know where to start, just a warm up for some, are you still puffing! But no-one gave up...WELL DONE TO ALL!! Puzzle PBs to the following who got the correct answer of.............................97!!... Cheryl Nicholas Belinda Egan Tracy Clarke Kate Lew Ton Helen Lughetto Heather Sullivan Ryan McKnight Linda Hams Two s = 10 The (who would get sore feet on our gravel course with no shoes on) = 5 A barcode = 4 So the last line = 5 (1 ), the (with 2 shoes and 2 barcodes) = 23 and the barcode 4 = 5 + (23 x 4) = 97 Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

13.01.2022 Spotted on the rail trail today!! Photo Credit : Les White

13.01.2022 Volunteer role: Timekeeper all Australian parkruns need timekeepers, these wonderful volunteers are responsible for recording the finish times of all participants who finish the 5km course, using the Virtual Volunteer App. On your phone, you download the Virtual Volunteer App, and then after enabling airplane mode you are right to go, using the app like you would use a stopwatch. Once the event is complete, when the tailwalker comes over the line, you press stop, scan your barcode and the volunteer QR code given to you by the Run Director, and then files are automatically uploaded for processing. All roles are easy to learn, if you want to know more, then have a chat to the friendly Run Director of the day and maybe we'll see you in orange

12.01.2022 Well you work to earn a living But on weekends comes the time You can do what ever turns you on Get out and clear your mind Me, I like parkrun... But there's a lot of things around When you line them up together The parkrun wins hands down (Mike Brady’s Up There Cazaly Re-Lyriced...sounds more appropriate) Yep, it’s that one day in September....today would have been AFL Grand Final Day and I’m sure the rail trail would have been adorned in club colours!! Tell us; what team are you barracking for, who’s your team, did you run in your club colours today, have you got an old pic of parkrun footy colours to share, do you have no interest in footy?

12.01.2022 Our #1 course checker for this week, Jol Dutton & his accomplice Ginny are keeping a close eye on the rail trail for us. Stay hopeful everyone.. each day that passes, is one day closer to a return.

12.01.2022 Saturday, Sunday, blursdaysorry its a late post, but worthy of a read. Recently we ran a poll to name our alternate course, and Gwyther Exchange came out on top (hat-tip to Daniel Vogelpoel for the suggestion!). Many of us have seen Gwyther Siding Road just north of the course and may know that Gwyther Creek runs along side it and across the north side of Koonwarra. The name of course, comes from the Gwyther family, whose farm was just south of Leongatha and whose 9-yea...r-old son Lennie rode his pony Ginger Mick around 1,000 km to see the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932. Lennies full story is too lengthy for a Facebook post, yet begs further reading to find out just how tenacious this plucky kid was. The year before the bridge opening, with his father in hospital with a broken leg, Lennie drove a 4-horse team to plough a 24-acre paddock to be ready for planting. It was strenuous enough work for an adult, let alone a child. In 1932, Lennie and Ginger Mick set off for Sydney, relying on the kindness of strangers and, as word of his approach spread ahead of him, the many townspeople on the route to Sydney. The network of Vacuum Oil salespeople (a company that would later be known as Mobil) also kept an eye out for him. His arrival in Sydney was welcomed by 10,000 people in Martin Place and apart from parading across the Harbour Bridge at its opening, he also attended the Royal Easter Show and met Prime Minister Joseph Lyons and Don Bradman. The trip had its share of hardships too, including being attacked by vagabonds and facing bushfires. It was an amazing feat that saw Lennie commemorated in the media, books and a bronze statue in Leongatha in 2017. We can sometimes draw strength from the stories of others overcoming adversity in difficult times and still achieving goals. If youd like to read more about Lennie Gwyther, there are many online sources to choose from and you could also try click and collect at your local library. You can also join the State Library of Victoria (slv.vic.gov.au) and read chapter 11 of Peter Lalors book The Bridge online. By the way, it would take you 200 parkruns to get from Leongatha to Sydney! Photo: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16846839

12.01.2022 Whoops A bit late for a parkrun comment ...Whoops A bit late for a parkrun comment ...

12.01.2022 Its Sleepy Steves RD Briefing for today!! Which parkrun have you been dreaming about? It might be one youve already been to. Share the Koony love, tag another page or post a photo of yourself to say "Gday!" and let them know youre thinking of them. Then come back and tell us where youve visited and why. Its such a good time to be thinking of others. Im looking forward to high-fiving you all when were back on the track!!

11.01.2022 Evening Koony parkrun family! How was everyones day of virtual parkrun? If you did do a virtual parkrun we would love to see photos or hear how you went braving the wild elements! Ive included a few photos from our virtual parkrun in our local area from today, the creek was full and flowing and we werent the only crazies out and about! We hope everyone is keeping safe, keeping in touch with loved ones and hopefully parkrun will be back to normal before we know it...! For the massive Star Wars fans; only 2 days until May the Fourth be with you so if you didnt do a virtual parkrun today (and no judging if you didnt, the weather was pretty horrible!), maybe post which Star Wars episode is your favourite, your favourite character or even which planet youd rather be on Keep warm for the rest of the week and we look forward to hearing of more virtual parkruns next week From your virtual RD Cait See more

11.01.2022 Happy (not)3rd Birthday Koony parkrun!! It's amazing the difference a year makes. Personally, I think we should put up with the 'terrible twos' for a bit longer until we return - we will have so much to celebrate then! So, feel free to share a cake today to mark our third year. As to when we officially re-start, tomorrow's announcement of restrictions easing is definitely a step in the right direction and we hope to hear an update in next week's fortnightly email from parkrun... HQ. If you are heading out for a (not)parkrun on the course, the contractors working on the bypass have let us know that they'll occasionally need to move project vehicles across the trail, including on weekends. They'll have staff on hand with stop/go signs during the crossings to keep everyone safe and they won't hold you up for long. Stay safe and happy parkrunning!!

11.01.2022 Hows everyones 5km going? Need motivation? Love a challenge? Keen on some encouragement? Miss studying the results? Then lets get (not) parkrun going! Its easy as - ... Step 1 - run or walk your chosen 5km route any day between Sunday & Monday Step 2 - click on the link to sign in to your profile with your athlete ID and password https://www.parkrun.com/signin/ Step 3 - submit your time Step 4 - check the results here https://www.parkrun.com.au/koonwarra/results/notparkrun/ to see your progress And dont forget to take a photo, a short video, a selfie....we have a challenge coming up on Saturday!!

10.01.2022 Sorry its a late Koonwarra update. Took the boys for a walk along the course today for a look. Track is looking fast and flat except where the works are progressing and suspect a few PB's would have been achieved. Hope everyone is getting out and enjoying the sunshine this long weekend. Good luck to all trying to find a winner in the Cup and hope to see everyone back soon.

10.01.2022 Good Morning fellow parkrun family. I have a confession I am the lazy Run Director as I have missed the siren this week. However they do say better last than never. My bed beckoned this morning and that is because my main reason for jumping out of bed on a Saturday morning is coming and spending time with all of you. I love the buzz of the gathering, the exciting of the dogs, my run director colleagues beautiful and thoughtful welcoming and the hum along the course of peo...ple chatting, encouraging, laughter, achievement and in those quiet moments the local animals going about their activities or song. I know we have all found ways to keep our selves engaged and motivated, whether it be the virtual parkrun, gardening, hiking, local walks around home, whatever and when ever it maybe. Like Ebony, I have a word to share with you as well, it is one I try to live by and parkrun is part of it for me. Nuannaarpoq (pronounced Nu- an-ar-puc), which is an Inuit word of the Eskimo People which means "taking extravagant pleasure in being alive" For all that have been wondering we have an announcement "Gwyther Exchange" is the name of our alternate route. Thank you to everyone that voted. Whatever you are upto today please enjoy, feel free to share. Take Care and we will see you all real soon.

10.01.2022 Happy hump day!! Thanks for sharing your memories!! And remember....were all in this together!!

10.01.2022 Good morning to everyone!! This ones for all the parkrun puzzlers out there! And if its doing your head in....take a break, go for a 5k walk or run and log your (not) parkrun results here https://www.parkrun.com/signin/... Happy Saturday!! RD - Amy

09.01.2022 30th May another parkrun Saturday passes by for us all. Hopefully the return wont be too far away. A small group of Koonwarra RDs made the most of the beautiful morning and met up with Amy and Phil from the Road Realignment contract company to find out what if any negative impacts would occur for our parkrun once we do return. it was a great morning of discussion and gave a us a visualisation of what the changes will look like as well. Amy and Phil shared wonderful know...ledge and information with us that will help us plan appropriately for a smooth return. We were also lucky enough to catch up with a few familiar faces along the trail that were getting in their daily does of exercise and wonderful Vitamin D. But the start of the show was the beautiful Miss Harriet May Morrison. We hope you are all getting out and about now restrictions are starting to change and we look forward to the time when we can all meet again at the famous picnic table. Take care Sue See more

09.01.2022 Dont worry.. it wasnt a real parkrun you missed out on. But how creative are the people from Highlands parkrun, Craigieburn.

08.01.2022 Greetings Koony parkrunners, tis the day before Mothers Day so please raise a cup, give a hand, make a call or video call to those special mothers that are so important to us all. In the pre covid world we would be gathering at the start line ready to begin our usual 5 km journey of high fives, smiles, congratulations and hellos, but for now we can only do virtual parkruns. Well done to all those who are continuing with their exercise. Last year at this time it was event #...84, 8 volunteers cheered and supported 74 participants as they navigated Koonwarras bends and bridges readying themselves for the last effort up "heartbreak hill" and then the finish line, where the smiles are much larger than they were at the beginning. For now, lets keep in touch with family, friends and parkruns, and stay safe. Happy wintry weekend everyone. Your parkrun challenge for this week is to recall a memory from last years Mothers Day parkrun........ Felicity, virtual RD #loveparkrun See more

08.01.2022 Good morning to all of the lovely community of Koonwarra parkrun! If this was a normal parkrun day then at this present time we would be relaxing with a hot cuppa and a treat post our 5km walk, jog or run whilst the RD was processing the results. However, parkrunday slowly morphed back into Saturday and some of us have become used to those lazy Saturday sleep ins... to help get us out of the fog of missing parkrunday and absolve the guilt of sleeping in, parkrun has introduce...d (not)parkrun! (not)parkrun enables all of us to choose a 5km route and walk, jog or run that route before uploading the time to your parkrun profile. The beauty of this is that if youre finding if difficult to give up the sleep ins (hard to do with winter in full effect!), you can now do your virtual parkrun on any day that suits you. To celebrate this new way of participating in a virtual parkrun my family and I will be heading to Wilsons Prom for a picnic lunch after our 5km (not)parkrun. We would love to see what everyones (not)parkrun looks like, whether its the introduction of the local wildlife or the scenery, just remember, its not about the time, its about getting out and completing your (not)parkrun. Wishing you all a lovely week! https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=273748640410788

08.01.2022 News just in.. a timed virtual parkrun is launching! Check your emails and watch this space for more info!

07.01.2022 Its national volunteer week. At Koonwarra parkrun we have a wonderful lot of volunteers that make our parkrun soooo very special. Its one or the reasons why we are currently missing it so much. So many different people coming together to create one awesome parkrun. Some bake cakes, mow grass, sweep away debris, some hand out tokens, write news, take photos, some leave us a sign and some keep us on the straight and narrow! Over 203 volunteers have helped over 1802 people complete Koonwarra parkrun. With 12266 finishes!! Wow!! The weekly challenge is to let those volunteers know how much we appreciate them. Write a message, show us your orange colours in your backyard, park or local 5 k track. Virtual RD Cindy.

06.01.2022 Hi Koonwarra parkrunners, a little bit late for an RD post, but here it is. It seems like forever since our last event on the rail trail, and some may wonder when events will return. The Northern Territory have been able to restart, (might need to have a look at their parkrun Facebook pages, and dream of an interstate run ). Our neighbours over Bass Strait are looking to start up again soon, exciting news for them, and we wish them success . The ACT are starting a trial pe...riod at the end of October, hoping this goes well for them. Hopefully it won’t be long before the rest of Australia can start up again. In the meantime, how many Koonwarra parkrunners have parkrun in Tasmania and the Northern Territory? Which parkruns have you done, and was there something special/different or unique about the venue or the run? Happy (not) parkrunning, we have 4 runs logged for the week, so in the dry spots let’s see how many we can get between now and midnight Sunday. Go team Koonwarra #loveparkrun #(not)parkrun See more

06.01.2022 Its the eve of parkrun day and although its wild, wet and woolly out there, it is in fact still autumn and our beloved start of the parkrun course is looking magnificent with its changing leaves. So, for all of those who will still get up and do their own virtual parkrun tomorrow at parkrun time; rug up, keep dry and make sure youve got a warm treat and hot cuppa to greet you when you finish Virtual parkrun RD Caitlin #loveparkrun

06.01.2022 Just to keep that parkrun vibe alive during the week, even during lockdown, there is (not) parkrun. (not) parkrun is where you can log a 5km walk/run any day or every day of the week, even when parkrun events are happening. They do not count towards milestones, but are a fun way of keeping active. So far this week we have one (not) parkrun logged......will there be more by the end of the week?

06.01.2022 Hello parkrunners, it’s RD Ebony here for your not Saturday morning parkrun. Unofficial parkrun challenges.. who knows about them? Parkrun challenges involve completing a number of different runs in a particular way. A few of my favourites.. ... The Gippslander - completing all Gippsland parkruns. Pirate - Running 7 C’s and an R! Alphabeteer - Run at parkrun locations starting with each letter of the English alphabet (except X). Stayin' Alive - completing three runs beginning with B and three beginning with G. Compass Club - Run at a parkrun named after each of the four compass points. Who’s planning what for when parkrun returns? I know I’m working on my Alphabeeta!

06.01.2022 Happy Saturday Koony parkrunners. This week our neighbors at Inverloch parkrun are having a 6th birthday. To help them celebrate and to try and be the highest not parkrun in the world I encourage you to register your not parkrun with Inverloch this week. Even better if you dress up for your not parkrun. Happy 6th birthday Inverloch parkrun, the starter of parkrun in South Gippsland

04.01.2022 Calling all volunteers..... We have some gaps to fill, any one can do these, even our under 18 parkrunners, (they just have a parent/guardian volunteer with them), these roles are easy to do, instructions are provided, orange vests freshly laundered by the RD team available each week. Don't be shy, you will be welcomed within the 1.5m socially distant open arms. See photo below for available positions. Thanks, Felicity

03.01.2022 Saturday, Sunday, blursdaysorry it's a late post, but worthy of a read. Recently we ran a poll to name our alternate course, and 'Gwyther Exchange' came out on top (hat-tip to Daniel Vogelpoel for the suggestion!). Many of us have seen 'Gwyther Siding Road' just north of the course and may know that Gwyther Creek runs along side it and across the north side of Koonwarra. The name of course, comes from the Gwyther family, whose farm was just south of Leongatha and whose 9-yea...r-old son 'Lennie' rode his pony 'Ginger Mick' around 1,000 km to see the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932. Lennie’s full story is too lengthy for a Facebook post, yet begs further reading to find out just how tenacious this plucky kid was. The year before the bridge opening, with his father in hospital with a broken leg, Lennie drove a 4-horse team to plough a 24-acre paddock to be ready for planting. It was strenuous enough work for an adult, let alone a child. In 1932, Lennie and Ginger Mick set off for Sydney, relying on the kindness of strangers and, as word of his approach spread ahead of him, the many townspeople on the route to Sydney. The network of Vacuum Oil salespeople (a company that would later be known as 'Mobil’) also kept an eye out for him. His arrival in Sydney was welcomed by 10,000 people in Martin Place and apart from parading across the Harbour Bridge at its opening, he also attended the Royal Easter Show and met Prime Minister Joseph Lyons and Don Bradman. The trip had its share of hardships too, including being ‘attacked by vagabonds’ and facing bushfires. It was an amazing feat that saw Lennie commemorated in the media, books and a bronze statue in Leongatha in 2017. We can sometimes draw strength from the stories of others overcoming adversity in difficult times and still achieving goals. If you’d like to read more about Lennie Gwyther, there are many online sources to choose from and you could also try ‘click and collect’ at your local library. You can also join the State Library of Victoria (slv.vic.gov.au) and read chapter 11 of Peter Lalor’s book ‘The Bridge’ online. By the way, it would take you 200 parkruns to get from Leongatha to Sydney! Photo: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16846839

02.01.2022 Good morning parkrunners. Its RD Ebony here for another non-parkrun. Almost everyone has heard me talk about the word HYGGE.. but just in case youre not familiar, its a Danish word meaning cosiness, feeling warm, comfortable & a sense of joy that comes from doing ordinary things. Its about celebrating the everyday simple pleasures of life. As you do your non-parkrun this week, I want you to take a moment to think of the everyday things that make us feel HY...GGE. For me, its the ritual of starting the day with a coffee, taking a walk through the bush, listening out for birds and finding a warm egg laid by one of our chooks. Share if you want to, otherwise just reflect on the small things that give you joy. ALSO, dont forget to get your votes in for our alternate course name. Voting will close next week and the chosen name will be announced!

02.01.2022 Its a girl! Cant wait for our Koony parkrun family to be together again to welcome our newest parkrunner. Introducing Harriet May Morrison who was born on Mothers Day, all are happy and healthy. Congratulations Eb and Scott, sending much love to you all Ebony Knox Scott Mor

02.01.2022 Hello Koony parkrunners. Each week our RD team receives communication from parkrun global HQ. With some COVID-19 restrictions beginning to ease, its timely to share HQs future plans with you. So...for a little while longer...enjoy those Saturday single digit temperature sleep ins while you can! Miss you all, stay well Kelly Dear all, We can now confirm that parkrun events across the world will be suspended until the end of June. Please note that this represents a... minimum time-frame for all parkrun countries and we expect most, if not all, closures to be in place for longer. Despite this announcement of extended closure, our view of the future is increasingly optimistic as the situation continues to change rapidly and dynamically across the world. There is now a definite and positive move towards relaxation of restrictions, and every week we get closer to the point where parkrun events will return to their communities. As lockdown restrictions start to lift across some territories in which we operate, wed like to thank everyone for not going to their parkrun venues, at parkrun time. Importantly, please do not organise group gatherings of any sort at your parkrun locations until such time as parkrun events have officially returned in your region. This is critical in order to preserve the excellent relationships we have with local communities and stakeholders, as well as to ensure the safety of both parkrunners and other users of the space. We continue to be cautious and thoughtful about parkruns return and we will, at all times, consider region-specific national and international government and public health guidance. Whilst parkrun cannot recommence in any territory until the guidance allows, the restarting of parkrun will be a complex and sensitive process. It is imperative that any decision to recommence has the full and widespread support of volunteer teams, and the wider community. A major part of our energy over the next few weeks will be focused on gathering this understanding and insight, which will in turn inform our decision making. Understanding the sentiment and feeling of our volunteers and communities is particularly key, as when the decision is made to restart parkrun, all parkrun events in that region will be required to start. Any events remaining closed would significantly and unreasonably increase pressure on those that open. Volunteer happiness and welfare will always be at the heart of what we do and, prior to reopening any events, we will continue to collaborate with our communities in order to best understand local situations and implement appropriate processes in advance. Thanks for your continued parkrun passion. We are getting through this, together, Tom Williams Chief Operating Officer

01.01.2022 Koonwarra gets a mention in last Saturdays (not) parkrun (not) results email!! Thanks to Judith Langstaff for joining the conversation about flat or hills!! Who else loves ?? Dont forget to log your 5km walk or run into the (not) parkrun results!! Easy as signing in and adding your time here - https://www.parkrun.com/signin/... Well done to our neighbours Inverloch parkrun who ranked number 1 for most (not) parkrun results!! See more

01.01.2022 Hi Koonwarra parkrun family I gather you have heard the latest news from the Victorian government about the 5 day circuit breaker lockdown, unfortunately this means that parkrun is cancelled tomorrow February 13th. You will be able to log a (not) parkrun as long as you abide by the restrictions in place. Hopefully this lockdown achieves the desired result and we can parkrun again soon. Take care everyone, look after yourselves and remember to be kind to yourself and others. #loveparkrun #bekind