Do you know that there’s a run taking place every week in Artarmon? Willoughby Parkrun is a
Any walker, jogger, runner or cyclist may join the Willoughby Parkrun provided that they have registered to enter ahead of time.
Through this event, participants can enjoy themselves and be physically fit whilst setting their own pace. Top finishers will get some recognition for their efforts as their names are placed in the results board.
The course of the Willoughby Parkrun begins Artarmon Reserve. After which, the participants must continue the path to Flat Rock Creek all the way to Prentice Park to cross Willoughby Road and head to the Henry Lawson Cave.
The participants will then pass by the Flat Rock Baseball Diamond to reach the Willoughby Leisure Centre as indicated in the map below.
The Willoughby Parkrun, however, starts and ends at the Artarmon Reserve so the participants must circle back to the reserve after one lap to get to Artarmon Road and Cooney Road. Then they have to head down Flat Rock Creek to get back to the reserve.
While the course is primarily on a paved or flat land, there will expectedly be grassy areas, muds, and puddles along the way, especially if there was rain the night before the run.
As this is a shared path, participants are also encouraged to give way to each other, as well as other park users, when passing through the paths. Walkers and runners are encouraged to follow a single file in narrower paths. On the other hand, cyclists, as well as men and women running with their children on buggies, have to exercise care and caution when overtaking those on foot.
Children under 11 years old should have adults accompanying them during the parkrun. Participants who wish to join with their dogs must also ensure that the pets are leashed and under control at all times.
There will be volunteers to guide those who will join. However, it’s always advisable to take part in this event only if you’re fit enough to walk, jog, run or cycle through five kilometres to avoid a medical emergency.
The average run time at the Willoughby Parkrun is under 30 minutes. There are at least 188 participants every week. After the run, participants usually enjoy a cup of coffee at the Everyday Canteen on Elizabeth Street.
Parkruns got their start in London in 2004. The Willoughby Parkrun began in 2016 and was originally organized by Charlotte Black Grant Berthold.