There are now more than 400 locations where people can participate in parkruns across Australia.
Some dedicated enthusiasts travel thousands of kilometres to tick different courses off their list but, for most, there is one that will remain out of reach.
Puckapunyal in central Victoria last year became the first restricted access military base in Australia to introduce a weekly 5-kilometre parkrun event.
The “Pucka parkrun” is open exclusively to Australian Defence Force personnel and their families who live on the base.
Volunteer Anika McCall became involved after relocating from Toowoomba.
“For me, it’s getting out, being social and meeting new people to help me make a lot of new friends which, as a military spouse, is difficult when you’re moving every two to three years,” she said.
“I know it’s a very special one, being the only one on a military base.”
For many, the social aspect of the event is even more important than its fitness benefits.
Bob Parsons — a tank commander who has been posted at Puckapunyal for the past eight years — said parkrun was “something the entire community can get involved in and enjoy”.
“There are quite a few units in Puckapunyal and I’ve met people from other units through parkrun who I otherwise wouldn’t have, and we create good friendships,” he said.
Puckapunyal is not the only place where parkrun has been embraced by the veteran community.
Last month Invictus Australia, an organisation that supports veteran wellbeing through sport, announced it was partnering with parkrun Australia to encourage more veterans and their families to become involved in their own local events.
“It ticks so many boxes for us,” said Rachel Kerrigan, veteran engagement specialist at Invictus Australia.
“It’s free, it’s all over Australia, anyone can do it. It’s fully inclusive for all ages and abilities and it’s just a great social environment to be a part of.”
Veterans who participate in parkrun in Australia are encouraged to join a group called “Team Veteran” when they register.
It’s become one of the biggest parkrun groups in the country, with close to 800 members.
One of its goals is to give visibility and create an identity for veterans.
“It creates a sense of belonging and recognises those connected to the veteran community,” said Michael Hartung, the Chief Executive Officer of Invictus Australia.
“The RSL got behind parkrun and Team Veteran with Veterans’ Health Week. We had a lot of members of local RSL sub-branches sign up and we’re seeing other groups of veterans out there signing up as well.
“Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging [and] parkrun events provide a perfect opportunity for people to connect with their local community.”
ABC Sport is partnering with parkrun to promote the benefits of physical activity and community participation.
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