Torquay parkrun is turning green during a 5km free running event next week to promote mental health, wellbeing and community engagement.
The event will be held on World Mental Health Day, Saturday 10 October, with runners encouraged to wear green while they run or walk the event.
Green is the international colour for mental health awareness and represents hope, strength and growth.
The Surf Coast Shire is partnering with Torquay parkrun for the event, which will also include healthy snacks and an opportunity for participants to socialise after completing the course.
Torquay parkrun spokesperson Megan Atkinson encouraged people to participate and help share the World Mental Health Day message.
“Parkrun is for everyone,” she said.
“There is a real sense of community week after week. It has given me opportunity to become friends with people of all ages and from all walks of life.”
Councillor Joel Grist said that the event is open to the entire community and encouraged everyone to get involved.
“People considering coming along for the first time as a park runner should rest assured there are no expectations on performance,” he said.
“A personal best might be simply getting onto the track to participate and, who knows, it might become the first of many parkrun outings.”
The event will begin at 8am, with the course following The Esplanade from Fishos to the Esplanade Wetlands in a loop.
Children can participate, but bikes are not permitted on the course.
First-time participants must register through the parkrun website to receive a barcode to bring to the event.
Torquay parkrun is a weekly event which encourages the community to get active and socialise.
RILEY DEAN
