David Alexander is looking to get Okotokians active by organizing a free weekly five-kilometre run/walk in Sheep River Park.
Hosted under the global parkrun banner, the Sheep River parkrun will be held every Saturday at 9 a.m., beginning Sept. 9, on the Town of Okotoks’ extensive pathway network.
Alexander said the five-kilometre loop, which begins and ends at the picnic shelter in Sheep River Park, is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. He said all levels of runners, joggers and walkers are welcome, as are parents pushing strollers and pets on leash. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.
“It’s just an idea to bring the community together to enjoy the fabulous pathway system that we’ve got and be out in the fresh air every Saturday morning,” said Alexander. “It’s all about fitness, enjoyment and mental health.”
Founded in England in 2004 where it’s very well known, parkrun has expanded exponentially over the ensuing two decades and now has weekly runs in thousands of places throughout the globe involving millions of participants.
“Parkrun came to Canada in 2016 so it’s still kind of a movement that not many, not even runners, are familiar with,” said Alexander. “Ours will be the eighth in Alberta so it's slowly gaining momentum.”
Alexander and his daughter Molly started a parkrun four years ago while living in Medicine Hat and when they moved to Okotoks last year, they wanted to do the same in their new hometown.
They’re getting help from members of the Highwood Cycle Club to get the weekly run off the ground but are also looking for volunteers to get involved as timekeepers and marshals.
Sheep River parkrun would like to acknowledge Big Rock Runners’ 40 years of building a strong Okotoks running community and is grateful to local runners Rachel and Mark Crocker of Sheep River Runhers for their support.
Those wanting to participate in parkrun are encouraged to register at parkrun.ca where they will be issued a barcode that’s scanned to record times, which are uploaded to a global database.
Participants don’t have to register or have their run timed to take part, and Alexander is quick to stress that although the brand is parkrun, the weekly event is much more focused on community coming together than it is about who’s the fastest runner.
“It’s about organizing people and getting them moving, it’s absolutely for everyone,” he said, adding there’s also a social component. “Everyone's encouraged to stick around the shelter, maybe bring some refreshments and hang out in the park.”
He said he also expects participants, including those who come from out of town, to cross over the bridge to visit Olde Towne after the run.
Alexander said the weekly run will continue year-round, weather permitting, and there will never be a cost to participate. He said parkrun’s slogan — ‘Free, for everyone, forever’ — will always apply.
To find out more, visit sheepriverparkrun.ca or follow the run on Facebook and Instagram.