Did you know that one of Sydney’s oldest running clubs is based right here in Parramatta?
Since July 1968, the Parramatta Park Runners and Walkers group come together at noon every Friday for a run or walk around the picturesque surrounds of Parramatta Park.
With 100 active members signed up and with more and more people returning to their Parramatta CBD offices, the group believe it’s the perfect time to expand.
“The club really struggled during the COVID period with attendances dropping off, but it’s starting to pick back up again,” Parramatta Park Runners and Walkers captain, Peter Wykes told Parra News.
“We have kids under 10 right up to people in their late 80s participating. We have one lady, named Yvonne, who is 81 and she’s a bloody good runner. She can do 5km in 30 mins.”
Held rain, hail or shine, participants meet at The Dairy Cottage in the centre of Parramatta Park at 12pm Friday before setting off on their 3km walk, 5km or 8km run.
“We’ve been meeting and finishing at the same place since 1968,” Wykes said.
“We have quite a diverse mix of people in terms of age, gender, and nationality – everyone is welcome. It’s for people of all abilities also.
“If you want to get out and take in some fresh air during your Friday lunch break, it’s the perfect opportunity to do so.”
Wykes has only been the captain of the Parramatta Park Runners and Walkers group for two years, but quickly discovered that everyone has their own reasons for taking part.
“Mental health is why I got involved. I work in IT, so it’s great for me to get out and not think about work for a while,” he said.
“Other people take part because they are training for running events, for fitness, for family get togethers. We even have people travel from out of town to be involved – it’s a great community.”
Whatever your purpose for pounding the pavement, the Parramatta Park Runners and Walkers group is open to everybody and has lasted the test of time for a reason.
It costs $25 per year to cover any social events and you can join right away and start pounding the pavement..
For more information, drop Peter Wykes an email at PPRW1968@gmail.com or visit parramattaparkrunners.com.
Nathan Taylor is Parra News' sports journalist. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked in western Sydney media for more than a decade.