Picture this: a Saturday morning filled with fresh air, neighbourly chats, setting new personal bests (and maybe some friendly competition too). Sound good? Then it's time to grab those sneakers, tie those laces tight, and join Shipwreck parkrun - the ultimate 5km community run right here in our backyard.
If you've been looking for a way to connect with the Sienna Wood community, challenge yourself, or get outdoors more often (or all of the above) - then your search stops here.
Shipwreck parkrun is a fun, free and friendly 5km community event. Taking place every Saturday at 8am, Shipwreck parkrun takes off from Shipwreck Park and encourages people of all fitness levels to join. Run, walk, jog, or just cheer your friends and family on from the sidelines - there's a spot for everyone. Once you've registered for your first ever parkrun, make it a weekly date or pick and choose based on your schedule - the (fitness) world is your oyster. Just don't forget to bring along your scannable barcode for a high-five worthy recorded time at the finish line.
Martin Jowsey, the Event Director for Shipwreck parkrun, emphasises that it's more than just a run. "It's not about running. It's about the community and fresh air. The best thing about parkrun is the people you meet - getting faster at walking or running is just a bonus for some of us".
Whether it's with family or friends, Shipwreck parkrun creates an inclusive and supportive environment that focuses on getting the community together. And the cherry on top? We've heard there's a post-run coffee at Mooba Café each week - the perfect spot for catching up with friends, meeting people from around the block - and getting your daily dose of caffeine too. Jodi, a parkrun participant, stated that she loves to take part in the parkrun with her family. "Because it's out and back twice, we can see each other multiple times in the run and cheer each other on". She also finds the atmosphere very encouraging, with the morning full of "well dones, and we've got this, to and from people you know, and even the ones you don't".
And while some people are there for their own enjoyment, others are out to set a personal best. With your scannable QR code handy (after that initial registration), you can view your weekly finish time on Shipwreck parkrun's results page. What better way to keep track of your time and aim for that slightly faster finish? And if you're a serious competitor - don't stress too much about your spot on the leaderboard. Shipwreck parkrun uses age grading to give more accurate positions, which you can check out on their Age Graded League page. Even better - if you're an avid Strava user (or thinking of joining), there's a dedicated Shipwreck parkrun page you can join to track your pace, finish times and running route.
But it's not just about participating by doing the 5km - Shipwreck parkrun thrives on its dedicated volunteers to make each event possible. Martin Jowsey encourages community members to consider volunteering, saying " We are totally inclusive - some people would rather volunteer than run or walk. Everyone is welcome and we can never have too many volunteers". So, whether you're a regular runner that wants to make each event happen, or a committed spectator that wants to see the parkrun be the best it can be - go ahead and register as a volunteer by emailing shipwreck@parkrun.com.
Here at Sienna Wood, we're all about backing community initiatives like Shipwreck parkrun. From connecting with neighbours and the outdoors, to setting yourself challenges and finding consistency in a supportive environment, it all ties into our vision for the future - creating a community where you can grow, connect, be yourself and enjoy life.
What are you waiting for? Run (or walk) to check out our most popular packages, here.