THE weather was brisk and the fog low but that didn't deter about 30 park runners on Saturday morning from mustering at the Merriwa Bridge for a 5km run.
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And, last weekend was a particularly special event for local volunteers and participants as it was the first anniversary of the Merriwa Parkrun.
Since it all began on June 30, 2018, the Merriwa Parkrun has hosted 48 park runs along the river.
It equates to 925 participants completing the course from all over the state, country and even overseas - that's a huge collective 4625 kilometres of walkers and joggers.
So far, the fastest open time for the 5km has been 18.29 minutes achieved by a male visiting runner while 12-year-old Merriwa runner Darcy Taaffe holds the junior record with a time of 21.05 minutes.
Merriwa runners have dominated the course statistics with Rob Tindall completing the most Merriwa Parkruns this year on 27, followed by Anne Carrigan on 23 and Hugh Kraeft on 20.
Carrigan also holds the most number of PBs (personal best times) for the course with nine to date, just ahead of Tindall on eight.
Parkrun Australia Ambassador Singleton's Courtenay Robertson presented Merriwa Parkrun coordinator Matt West with a plaque on Saturday to thank him for his fabulous volunteer efforts followed by champagne, juice and cake.
Tindall also acknowledged West for his "energy and enthusiasm".
"Matt has really gone above and beyond as coordinator, making sure the track is ready before everyone gets there and getting everyone's times on the website," he said.
"Parkrun has been great for people of all ages, not just for fitness but for the social side as well."
Parkrun is a free five-kilometre jog or walk along the Merriwa River starting at 8am on Saturdays from Rotary Park, near the Merriwa Bridge and showground.