For some it’s an electronic training diary, for others it’s a way to be connected, but however you view it, (not)parkrun is a means to record a 5km in a Covid-safe environment.
Under current Covid-19 restrictions parkruns are unable to meet up in person and put on a free, weekly, timed 5km event.
(not)parkrun started in June 2020, but for most Kiwis it’s not been something they’ve taken part in until recently.
It launched just a couple of weeks before parkruns for real returned in July 2020.
When thrust into Level 4 lockdown last month it suddenly became something that could keep the community active, and even introduce a competitive spirit between some event teams.
Prolific
Aucklander Keith Procter has been logging his own 5km since (not)parkrun launched last year. He’s now logged more than 340.
“It makes sense to me, a no-brainer,” says the Cornwall Park parkrunner.
“I started in June last year and used it as a training diary. I stopped in June this year but then started again in lockdown.”
Keith started parkrunning at Cornwall Park’s inaugural in July 2012 and has achieved 210 parkrun finishes.
“Cornwall Park is five minutes from my house. I’ve got about half a dozen courses that I know are 5km so I do one of those each day, then on a Saturday I’ll go and run a freedom run of the parkrun course.
“Running (not)parkrun and logging them is a way to be connected. It’s a motivator too.”
New to parkrun
Apii Viti registered for parkrun last year and has walked four times and marshalled eight at Puarenga parkrun in Rotorua.
When it comes to (not)parkrun she’s more engaged, logging a (not)parkrun most days.
“I did my first one in the August lockdown of last year, but this time it’s different,” she says.
“Last August I wasn’t very well health wise and I needed to be active. This lockdown I’m in a better place and more disciplined.
“I like that I can do this in my own time, at any time of the day. It’s helping me feel connected to parkrun still even though we can’t meet up. I look at the results to see who else has logged a (not)parkrun.
“In the mornings I don’t always want to roll out of bed, but I do.
“I’m looking forward to parkrun coming back. I’ll keep the momentum going by walking 5km to parkrun and then volunteering.”