Whanganui's weekly parkrun event celebrating one year

Parkrun organiser Anne Bennett says a dedicated group of people take part every week. Photo / Andy Walmsley

International running event parkrun has spread to hundreds of locations around the world, and the Whanganui course will mark one year in operation next month.

The 5km run begins at 8am every Saturday morning, and takes participants along the Whanganui River bank on the Mountain to Sea Cycleway.

Volunteer organiser Anne Bennett said despite "so much going on" during Whanganui's weekends, there was a dedicated group of 28 people who completed the run every week.

"Our regulars are always there, it's fantastic," Bennett said.

"We can average anywhere from 28 to 50-something and the cross country runners from Collegiate join us for their training when they don't have any away sports.

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"There are also of tourists who come to Whanganui for Parkrun and then stay in town for the weekend."

Parkrun, which was free to enter, wasn't about winning the race, Bennett said.

"No one comes last.

The Whanganui event is one of over 30 in New Zealand. Photo / Judy Mellsop

"We have the first finishers across the line, and then we celebrate everyone else coming across too."

Bennett enters one parkrun a month and she had improved her personal best for the 5km by around 10 minutes.

"Absolutely anyone can get involved," she said.

"You can run the whole way or just come for a stroll with your dog or with your baby in a pram.

"It's just about enjoying being out along the waterfront, because it's such a beautiful course."

Participants would be encouraged to wear blue for the big birthday run on July 3, Bennett said.

"I myself am going to be wearing a blue tutu and blue wings as well."

Bennett said parkrun began in Teddington, England in 2004.

"The first event had 13 people, and now there are over three million parkrunners worldwide.

"Our Whanganui contingent is growing as well.

"This event is free forever, so we couldn't do it without our volunteers. A big shout out to them as well."