Stepping out of his comfort zone and into a pair of running shoes, a local Freeling has taken on the parkrun scene-not as a fitness enthusiasm, but as part of an investigative journalism piece.
After hearing friends talk about their parkrun experience regularly at work, Joshua Dawson decided to immerse himself as part of his elective journalism course and write a 600-word story on parkruns.
“I’ve always wanted to get into running, but I never knew how,” said Mr Dawson.
“At first, I thought parkruns were a professional elitist type event where they were competing against each other.
“But my friends spoke of how inclusive it is, with all types of people – including people in wheelchairs – taking part and I thought how positive and encouraging it is, so that appealed to me.
“I thought not many people knew about this free event, but obviously more people know about it than I thought having spoken to people as well.”
With no prior experience in the parkrun community, the third-year part-time psychology student has now undertaken parkruns across the community, uncovering the spirit and stories behind the fitness phenomenon.
“Two particular stories which have blown me away is that one volunteer spoke of how they have never enforced the cut-off time because that sends the wrong message that slow people can’t come,” said Mr Dawson.
“The other was on the Nuriootpa parkrun Facebook page, there is an image of an 80-year-old man crossing the finish line with 3 children cheering him on, which captures the essence of what parkrun is about – for everyone.
“They’re working towards that integration into the community and bringing people together in a positive way, encouraging each other.”
As part of Mr Dawson’s story, he interviewed Tony Piccolo MP, who has run 165 parkruns, about his experiences within the running community and the view of the event from a government perspective.
“People in our society, we are craving community,” said Mr Piccolo.
“We are incredibility well connected in a technological sense right across the world, yet we’re often disconnected at the local levels.
“Things like parkrun provide these opportunities for connection, and people from all walks of like do it.
“Even though it’s a parkrun, people don’t do it for the run, they do it for health reason and the sense of community and making friends – a big congratulations to all the volunteers who have made such a welcoming community event.”
For those interested in seeing Mr Dawson’s story, keep your eyes peeled in one of our local papers as he’ll submit it for publishing once graded by the University, or follow Tony Piccolo MP’s socials for an update.