There are 41 parkrun events around New Zealand, with each starting at 8am every Saturday.
Gibbs currently holds the world record for the 10,000m in the 55-59 age group of 36m 46sec along with numerous national records across three masters age divisions.
Her next big challenge is to get on the podium at the Boston Marathon next year.
To celebrate her 50th birthday Gibbs ran the 50th Rotorua Marathon, finishing in 2 hours and 48 minutes to be the fastest woman home.
Sally Gibbs (left, with second placed-Jess Ruthe) after her win at the 50th Rotorua Marathon in 2014. Photo / Stephen Parker
“I often need a goal to do the day-to-day,” she said.
“Like anybody else, there are days I just don’t feel like going out. Maybe the weather is crap. Having a competition or something to aim towards definitely motivates me.
“You can’t bluff your way through a marathon. Respect the distance - that’s what runners say. I can’t say I feel the need to do marathons all the time just because of the training.”
Regardless of how fast she completed one, there would be a month of recovery afterwards.
Gibbs said you didn’t have to be at any level of fitness to give parkrun a go.
“There is absolutely no need to worry about that. It really is a low-key event.
“It suits all ages, generations and backgrounds - sporting or non-sporting.
“This isn’t a competition. It’s all about your own goals and motivations.”
Gibbs said she loved a variety of distances, from 1500 metres through to the marathon.
That stopped staleness from creeping in.
“Training with Athletics Wanganui on the track in summer is great, then there’s road and cross country.
“That was one of my conditions for moving back home - having a harriers club, athletics and parkrun.
