WHO YOU VOTED AS TOP SPORTS VOLUNTEER
Six years ago, Margaret Maloney and Tressa Lindenberg had a dream.
The keen runners were determined to bring parkrun to Toowoomba.
The pair approached Toowoomba mayor Paul Antonio and the rest is history.
Since the first parkrun in September 2013, Toowoomba has hosted nearly 300 events with more than 8000 people participating.
Now Maloney can add another feather to her cap having been named The Chronicle’s
Best of Sports Volunteer winner.
“I was over the moon when I saw the final poll results,” Maloney said.
“It was really quite touching – I see it as great recognition, not so much for me but for parkrun as a whole and all the people who contribute to it.
“So many people have contributed to the success of parkrun here in Toowoomba, and I couldn’t possibly name them all, but I do need to mention Tressa.
“Tressa has stepped away from parkrun because of her busy schedule, but she was there at the beginning and played a big role in bringing it to Toowoomba.”
Maloney attributed the continued success of parkrun to its simplicity.
“It’s really easy for people to get involved in,” she said.
“They don’t have to think about when or where they’re going to exercise. It’s on every Saturday, rain or shine, at 7am. And it’s free, all you have to do is register and show up.
“It’s a great easy way to be healthy and you don’t have to run, walkers are always welcome.”
■ Events are held in two Toowoomba locations, Highfields, Oakey and Pittsworth.