Happy 1st Birthday Sandgate parkrun!

With local councillor, Victoria Newton

One year ago, without really knowing what we were doing, Dean & I started Sandgate parkrun.

We had ummed and aaahed, but decided to take the plunge and just do it.  Little did we know what it would turn into, a year down the track.

Last Saturday, 23rd November 2013, we celebrated the first birthday of Sandgate parkrun.  It was a fantastic morning, which literally started with a bang - a rocket launch right there in the park!

Blast off!!!

We had a record attendance of 365 runners, most of whom got into the spirit of the Ashes, which was being played in Brisbane, by wearing white.  We had wedding dresses, angels, cricketers (pads, helmets & all!), mad scientists and more.

We were supplied with a simply AMAZING cake and had heaps of other food and drink.  It was a really special time as well, to present several awards for our annual points competition, as well as other categories, like most improved, Sandgate spirit and volunteer champion.

As always, the atmosphere was amazing and the community spirit was high.  It was such a proud moment for us & our kids to be presented with our own medals from local councillor, Victoria Newton.   The celebrations were a real testament to the loyalty and support of all our Sandgate runners.

I've been at parkrun every single Saturday for the past year, and over that time, I've met amazing people, been constantly encouraged and support (especially while training for the marathon) and witnessed the kindness and generosity of the running community.

We can't wait for many more parkruns in the next year and beyond!

Thanks so much to Ross McNeil and Tracy King for the photos in this blog :-)