In a speech on Monday, Federal Member for Bass Ross Hart MP spoke about Launceston parkrun, and the many benefits of this fantastic local event.
Launceston parkrun is part of the international phenomenon which is parkrun, with over one thousand events running worldwide every Saturday morning.
Parkrun is a non-competitive, no cost, weekly timed 5km run or walk, over the same course each week at the same time.
Mr Hart described parkrun as ‘inclusive in that it is accessible for young or old, fit or unfit, male or female, regardless of ability or disability’.
Launceston parkrun is run by volunteers and has been running for four years, with each event attracting around 200 participants.
A video of the speech has reached more than 180,000 people and viewed some sixty thousand times across the world including Korea, Ireland, Norway, Russia, United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia.
In his first speech to the House of Representatives in September, Mr Hart spoke about the negative impacts of social isolation and the need for a greater sense of community and inclusivity.
As a regular ‘parkrunner’ himself, Mr Hart described the event as welcoming and inviting.
‘Each event will welcome visitors and first timers. People arrive early so as to talk amongst themselves or will cheer later finishers across the line and attend coffee after the event’, Mr Hart said.
Launceston parkrun is held every Saturday at 9am, at the Inveresk Precinct.
Mr Hart’s speech can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/RossHartMP/
ROSS HART MP MEMBER FOR BASS
