Despite the depths of winter, Bairnsdale parkrun attracted an impressive 94 participants on Saturday for its weekly five-kilometre run along the Mitchell River.
Jack Ellett led the field home in a personal best time of 20 minutes and 10 seconds, shaving 15 seconds off his previous record in his 58th parkrun appearance.
The field welcomed 11 first-timers to the course, while 11 other participants logged new personal best times during a brisk morning of fitness and camaraderie.
Regular participant Mikhaila Bromwich was the first female finisher, crossing the line in 20.33.
A strong contingent of runners recorded personal bests, including Jack Lynch (21.10), Levi Wallicker (21.30), Cooper Douglas (26.29), Nicola Morris (27.23), Jennifer Allan (28.06), Grace Thierry (34.16), Milla Krejzlik (34.38), Kayla Krejzlik (34.41), Olivia Carstairs (36.53), Karina Haslam (43.00) and Michelle Ryan (57.49).
A variety of local and visiting running groups were represented, including Riviera Triathlon Club, East Gippsland Runners, Frankston and Peninsula Masters Athletics Club, Canberra Runners, Lakes and District Runners, the Derek Zoolander Centre for Kids Who Can’t Run Good, Southern Peninsula Sports Club, and HIIT Factory.
Saturday’s event was delivered by volunteers Ethan Sanderson, Robyn Kercher, Holly Krejzlik, Shirley Tanner, Zara Wickham, Sophie Brown, Sarah Stewart and Amanda Stewart.
Bairnsdale parkrun starts at 8am every Saturday from the Mitchell River path and welcomes runners, joggers and walkers of all ages and fitness levels.
