While Singleton has played host to the free, weekly 5km walking/running event for the past couple of years, it was Merriwa’s turn to embrace the concept at Rotary Park on Saturday.

Almost 200 people braved the chilly conditions, with visitors from Sydney, Tamworth, Gunnedah and Singleton joining the launch celebrations. 

“Merriwa is the 31st of 40 new parkruns to launch by August 2018, courtesy of Medibank’s Free + Active program,” event director Matthew West said.

“Off the back of new [Medibank] research, they found more than one in two locals were inactive, with 58.8 per cent having done no formal exercise in the past three months.

“So, we’re thrilled to have between 100 and 200 here [today].

“This is the first parkrun in the Upper Hunter Shire – I believe Scone will follow in our footsteps soon. 

“We can’t thank Medibank enough for the funding, too.

“We’re all volunteers, so we definitely appreciate the assistance.”

Organisers conducted two trials – on June 15 and 23 – to whet the appetite of the locals.

And, word of mouth spread quickly, according to West.

“People were not only keen to do it, but help as well,” he said.

“Without volunteers, it doesn’t happen.

“It’s also a great way to meet others and be healthy at the same time.

“We’re expecting the numbers to build up gradually now.”

West admitted there was “quite a push” to get fit in Merriwa. 

“We have one indoor fitness centre, an outdoor gym and about three instructors,” he said.

“But, parkrun is a terrific opportunity to achieve your goals in a safe, friendly environment.”

Event ambassador Chris Jeffery, from the five30runners, reinforced that message.

“This [launch] is awesome for Merriwa,” he said.

“It’s a known fact that parkruns have lifted small communities in country areas.

“It is also wonderful for mental health, which is a problem in rural towns at the moment.

“An hour a week to escape, or put your mind at ease, can make a big difference. 

“It’s not a race either – you can run, walk or whatever suits the individual.”

The Merriwa parkrun will take place every Saturday at Rotary Park, Telfer Street, at 8am.