Moranbah recently celebrated the launch of its first parkrun at Binda Park. The initiative, led by Parkrun Moranbah Directors Simone Myles and Lindsay Chicken, has brought an inclusive and free weekly event to the residents, promoting physical activity, mental well-being and social connections.

Simone said there’s been a huge resurgence for running which is physically, mentally and socially beneficial to everyone.

“There’s been a resurgence recently in the popularity of running, which brings many health benefits, including physical, mental, and social.

“My family and I had attended park runs in other towns while on holidays and really enjoyed the atmosphere and philosophy behind it. We were approached by the Event Director at the Rockhampton parkrun to look into a parkrun in Moranbah.”

The journey to establish Moranbah’s parkrun was not without its challenges. Finding a suitable 5-kilometre route that met parkrun’s stringent criteria was a major hurdle.

“The track can’t cross driveways or roads, can’t start downhill or pass through a carpark and must be all-weather suitable for prams. Also, ensuring we had enough volunteers each week for safety reasons was crucial.”

The community’s response during the initial stages was overwhelmingly positive, with significant support from Isaac Regional Council, Moranbah Community Workers Club and local fitness groups. This enthusiasm translated into tangible support and collaboration, essential for the event’s success.

Key steps in bringing the parkrun to life included signing a prospective Event Director Code of Conduct, undergoing volunteer training, securing funding for essential equipment like a defibrillator, and obtaining approvals from various stakeholders. Moranbah Worker’s Club played a pivotal role by providing the necessary funding.

The road to launching the parkrun didn’t stop there, but the team was dedicated, they also had to get approval from parkrun Australia, set the launch dates and get the parkrun symbol painted on the turnaround points of the route.

The benefits of having a regular parkrun in Moranbah are already evident.

“We’ve seen people building friendships and mixing with others they may not have met otherwise. It’s a great, inclusive environment with lots of friendly faces offering encouragement and support.”

For Simone, the launch holds personal significance. As a local fitness instructor with Brom Fit Fitness Training, she is passionate about promoting physical activity and community engagement.

“Seeing people get active and enjoy each other’s company is incredibly rewarding. Each week, we’ve had at least three or four tourists coming to our town specifically to participate in our parkrun. They usually stay the night before and often linger to explore the region afterward, which is a fantastic boost for our town.”

The launch event was a resounding success, with 60 attendees, 10 volunteers, and a lively atmosphere enhanced by a sausage sizzle provided by Moranbah Worker’s Club. Participants travelled from Emerald, Bowen, Mackay, Rockhampton, and as far as Redcliffe. Notable attendees included Mayor Kelly Vea Vea, former Mayor Anne Baker, and Ian Dunbier the Event Ambassador from Rockhampton, whose support was instrumental. Also, Neale Scott who has participated in every parkrun in Queensland.

Looking ahead, Simone hopes that Binda Park parkrun will continue to grow, providing a safe, friendly, and inclusive event for the Moranbah community to enjoy.

“Parkrun is a win-win for all involved. It’s a free event every week, welcoming everyone. Even if you’re not into running or walking, you can still participate by volunteering. It’s a great way to start the weekend positively.”