Spring launch for Horsham parkrun

Two Horsham running enthusiasts are looking to deliver a new project incorporating health, wellbeing and tourism benefits and an ‘underused’ Wimmera River.

Andrew Sostheim and Candice Muszkieta are working to establish a Horsham parkrun, which they hope to launch in spring this year.

Parkruns are weekly, free, five-kilometre timed events run around the world.

Mr Sostheim said there were parkruns in almost 300 locations.

“They are free, fun and easy to participate in and are fantastic community events,” he said.

“I’ve been thinking about how to set up a parkrun event in Horsham for some time and then a post popped up on a local buy, swap and sell Facebook page from ex-wimmera girl Andrea Draper, asking why Horsham didn’t yet have one.

“After plenty of comments and tagging by some interested locals, Candice and I have set up a group of interested volunteers and helpers to get our vision to a launch date.”

Mr Sostheim said the Horsham course would incorporate the new Anzac Centenary Bridge and river paths.

“Getting people active while showcasing our beautiful and underused river will be awesome. I have no doubt the community will embrace it,” he said.

Mr Sostheim said the volunteers had submitted a grant application to Horsham Rural City Council for one-off initial start-up costs.

“Along with great health and wellbeing benefits for anyone who participates, we expect the project will also deliver a tourism boost,” he said.

“People come from all over Australia and the world to visit different parkruns. There were 800 participants at a Queensland launch last weekend, so our event would be another tourism drawcard for the Wimmera.”

Mr Sostheim said Nhill, Ararat and Hamilton communities hosted parkruns every Saturday at 8am.

He said more information would be available prior to the launch date and anyone interested in volunteering could call him on 0419 825 894.