Maribyrnong Parkrun: More Than A Run

At Maribyrnong Parkrun, locals of every pace are discovering that the finish line matters less than the relationships.

Story by  
October 30, 2026

Before most of Maribyrnong has properly opened their eyes on a Saturday morning, a crowd has already gathered beside the river. Runners chat, volunteers prepare the course and participants of all abilities get ready for the five-kilometre challenge ahead. Some will run the entire distance. Others will walk, jog, or simply come alone to support.

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At Maribyrnong Parkrun, the finish time is only part of the achievement.


Held every Saturday morning and open to all, the free community event gives locals a way to stay active while connecting with like minded people. It is a small example of a much bigger shift in Australian fitness culture, as running increasingly becomes a way to build friendships, improve wellbeing and work towards personal goals.

Andrew Turner, Run Director at Maribyrnong Parkrun, says the event has become an important part of the local community.

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“Running became popular during COVID as an easy way to get out and exercise.”

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“But people have stayed invested after that, there are a lot of run clubs that people have got involved in and got the [running] bug,” he said.

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‘Running culture’ has had a boom in Victoria, with young Australians swapping out late nights for early morning kilometres. And the sense of inclusion it brings is central to Parkrun’s appeal. Participants can run, walk, volunteer, or support, making the event accessible to all regardless of their experience or fitness level.

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The starting line of the Maribyrnong Park Run. Photograph by Micah Cursio.

The social benefit is what keeps participants like Rebecca Jones coming back.

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“I got into running for mental health, it gives me an outlet from uni.”

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“I like that it’s a community base, everyone’s friendly and there's no stress, you can go whatever pace,” Jones said.

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Another runner feels the experience offers something beyond physical exercise.

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“I love running, I feel free, I love to be in nature,” he said.

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A 2023 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders said 44 per cent of runners show mental health improvements comparable to antidepressants.

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Joanna Style says the reward is not enjoying every minute of a run, but instead making it to the end.

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“I started running for fitness, I didn’t like it, sometimes I also really hate it, but nothing beats the feeling at the end,”

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“I love that sense of achievement.” Style said.

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Penny, a mother of three, comes to parkrun for “time out” from her busy life.

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“Running is time out for me, I have three young children, this is my time on a Saturday morning.” she said.

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Participants of all skillsets and mindsets gathered for a warm up before the Park Run. Photograph by Micah Cursio.

For bigger events like the Melbourne Marathon, the total field grows to 66,000 participants, which is an increase of 16,000 places to the usual turnout.

This year’s Melbourne Marathon sold out before it was even announced, with 20,000 runners signing up for the event. 

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But the growth of running is not only measured in sold-out races. At community events like Maribyrnong Parkrun, its impact can be seen in the people who return week after week. Whether they are chasing a faster time, meeting friends or simply making time for their health.

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And as the runners cross the finish line, the biggest success is not always the number on the stopwatch. Sometimes it is simply showing up.

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“Go find a community that you enjoy running with, whether that is Parkrun or a run club, or even just running on your own, there are many ways to get involved.” Turner said.

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For this generation, running isn’t just exercise, it is an outlet, offering a social life and a finish line worth chasing whenever that may lead.

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The final stretch of the run. Photograph by Micah Cursio.
Micah is a journalist passionate about community stories, youth voices and finding the people behind the headlines, with a focus on telling stories that celebrate Melbourne’s west and the people who make it a vibrant community.

Before most of Maribyrnong has properly opened their eyes on a Saturday morning, a crowd has already gathered beside the river. Runners chat, volunteers prepare the course and participants of all abilities get ready for the five-kilometre challenge ahead. Some will run the entire distance. Others will walk, jog, or simply come alone to support.

‍

At Maribyrnong Parkrun, the finish time is only part of the achievement.


Held every Saturday morning and open to all, the free community event gives locals a way to stay active while connecting with like minded people. It is a small example of a much bigger shift in Australian fitness culture, as running increasingly becomes a way to build friendships, improve wellbeing and work towards personal goals.

Andrew Turner, Run Director at Maribyrnong Parkrun, says the event has become an important part of the local community.

‍

“Running became popular during COVID as an easy way to get out and exercise.”

‍

“But people have stayed invested after that, there are a lot of run clubs that people have got involved in and got the [running] bug,” he said.

‍

‘Running culture’ has had a boom in Victoria, with young Australians swapping out late nights for early morning kilometres. And the sense of inclusion it brings is central to Parkrun’s appeal. Participants can run, walk, volunteer, or support, making the event accessible to all regardless of their experience or fitness level.

‍

Micah is a journalist passionate about community stories, youth voices and finding the people behind the headlines, with a focus on telling stories that celebrate Melbourne’s west and the people who make it a vibrant community.

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