Resources
Living unconquered at 91
At 91 years young, Kevin Onley is a veteran of the Korean War and 342 parkruns. The Berwick Springs parkrunner epitomises resilience and community connection and is testament to the transformative power of community and sport, proving that age is just a number when it comes to staying active and engaged.
Puckapunyal Military Area launches parkrun in Aussie first
In 2021 the Puckapunyal Military Area in Victoria became the first restricted access military base in Australia to introduce a weekly parkrun event, with 41 walkers, runners and volunteers participating in the inaugural event.
Mary and Roxy heal through volunteering
When Mary comes to parkrun, she’s always got her assistance dog Roxy by her side.
The Australian Army veteran and self-confessed “adrenaline junkie” started parkrun in February 2018 with Roxy, after she was medically discharged from the military due to a broken neck and PTS.
From being paid to run to running for fun
Steven joined the Army when he was 19. Several years later when his wife suggested they start doing parkrun as a bit of fun, the idea of running and not being paid to do it didn’t sound all that fun to Steven! At that time they were living in the UK and he had served eight years in the Royal Signals.
Steven's wife was right however, and he became hooked on parkrun.
parkrunning at 90: Alby Smith
For Team Veteran member Alby Smith, physical fitness has always played a big role in life.
The power of a chat
Bill Greenwood volunteers as a Run Director at Dubbo parkrun, and as a Crisis Support Officer.
Bill, a retired detective and Vietnam veteran, explains why the two roles have become intertwined, and how the simple act of coming to the park on a Saturday morning can have a profound impact on the people he supports.
Becoming part of the parkrun lifestyle
Adam Kisiel, a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Australian Navy, has had numerous postings around Australia and seagoing vessels and has also completed more than 250 parkruns. Adam has two young daughters and is happy for them to see how positive it is to start the weekend in a fun and healthy way.
Extending our support network
Mel and Jeremy are officers in the Royal Australian Air Force, with their young family having participated in more than 400 parkruns at 130 different parkrun locations. They have used parkrun to improve their fitness and help them integrate into new communities following interstate postings.
A place for everyone
Miriam, from Phillip Island parkrun in Victoria, comes from a military family. During World War II her father trained with paratroopers and her uncle was a ‘Rat of Tobruk’. They never spoke about their service, and Miriam remembers talking to people her father trained with who were still traumatised by their experience.
According to Miriam, the camaraderie of parkrun makes it one of the most inclusive, friendly and encouraging activities she's ever been part of.
Skills and mates for life
Craig is the volunteer Event Director of Darwin parkrun and a member of the Australian Army Reserves. As someone who was born and bred in Darwin and loves to be active and helpful in his community, parkrun and the Reserves tick both boxes!
Finding my tribe
Erin is a Defence wife and mum of two kids. Fed up with being depressed, Erin started to make changes to build her confidence and help her makes friends, which led her to parkrun and she has never looked back.
A ready-made circle of friends
Tony served in the British Army for 24 years before moving to Western Australia. Tony credits parkrun with being instrumental in helping his family start their new life and develop a circle of friends in a place where they didn't know anybody.
Filling a void in my life
Ben served nine years in the Australian Regular Army as an army mechanic. He served in many places including Afghanistan in 2005/2006 as part of the Special Operation Task Group 001.
When Ben's wife began parkrun he promised to join her, and it didn't take long for their kids to get the bug too.
Noel notches 250 weeks of parkrun volunteering
87-year-old Noel Darr is a Vietnam Veteran and retired load-master who served in the Royal Australian Air Force. When Noel retired in 1994 he held the world record for the number of hours flown on the Hercules E Model and was awarded the Order of Australia medal for services to the military.
Noel has become a cherished member of the East Richmond parkrun community, having volunteered on more than 250 occasions.