By Tanya Steele
Parkrun was a smash hit for the Yarra Valley community for its first event at Maroondah Dam on Saturday 27 May.
147 participants attended the well known 5km event at its new destination, Andrew Leggo completed the run in 17.88 and Sarah Klein came in at 18.34.
Stuart Rainbow, Event Director said it was amazing and feedback from the public was that the location was awesome.
“It was really, really good and well received,” he said.
People of all ages and abilities came to run or walk the event and Mr Rainbow was pleased to see a strong contingent of walkers attending.
“You don’t need to run, we had retirees, and kids and there were lots of walkers which was really great to see,” he said.
The Parkrun also brought a lot of extra business to the town on the weekend, with some tourists coming up purely to do the run.
“We had someone from Phillip Island and someone from Shepparton, it’s a long way to come for a 5km,” said Mr Rainbow.
The weather was not quite on its best behaviour, with a light drizzle starting during the event.
“We thought we were going to get away from it, but it turned, which it tends to do in the Yarra Valley,” Mr Rainbow said.
Mr Rainbow said after the run, people headed to the township to enjoy what Healesville has to offer.
“They earned a chance to go have something nice to eat,” he said.
The Watts River Brewing opened its doors early and threw a discount on for the Parkrun attendees and My Little Kitchen got so busy afterwards that the cafe had to turn some people away.
Mr Rainbow said he was glad it went so well and thanked the volunteers who helped the day run smoothly.
“What an incredible spot to have your morning exercise, it’s really exciting for the town,” he said.
Mr Rainbow said he hopes Parkrun continues to be a positive influence for Healesville.
“People have said they will be back for sure,” he said.
People who attended can check their results at: www.parkrun.com.au/maroondahdam/results/latestresults/
