The free, weekly, 5km run will make its Great Lakes debut on Saturday November 26 from 8am at the Pebbly Beach Reserve.

Mary Yule is behind the Great Lakes event and has been busy with organisation since June.

A keen runner for many years, Mary was surprised the Great Lakes didn’t have a parkrun, given the number of similar events held here.

There are parkruns at Taree and Port Macquarie. Mary ran at Taree last Saturday, where she was introduced to fellow runners before the start of the race.  

She described the route for the Forster run as ‘fabulous.’ It will start at the reserve and taken runners/walkers close to the beach but stays well away from busy roads.

“It’s really picturesque,’’ she said.

"And it isn’t difficult. I think people are really going to enjoy it.’’

Mary has been working closely with organisers of the Taree parkrun to get everything in place after first contacting parkrun Australia to find out what was required to start the event here. 

“The Taree people – particularly Marg Lewis – have been terrific,’’ she said.

“And so has Kevin Chilvers from parkrun Australia.’’

Taree’s parkrun started in May 2015 and averages more than 100 starters each week. It was named the community event of the year at this year’s Australia Day awards.

Mary stressed that parkrun is for everyone. Many starters in the Taree event walk the 5km.

 “We encourage people of every ability to take part; from walkers or those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; we welcome you all,’’ the parkrun Australia website informs.

Those taking part will be encouraged to register – free of charge – online beforehand. However, more details on this will be forthcoming closer to November 26.

Mary said she has been a keen runner for many years and takes part in all the local events.

“But I’m not sure how often I’ll be able to go in the Forster parkrun because I’ll be doing the organising,’’ she said.

“Hopefully when we get things started I’ll be able to go in a few. I have friends who are helping me get this organised.’’

Mary admits she has no idea how many starters will front for the opening race on November 26. However, she’s confident parkrun will be as popular in Forster-Tuncurry as it in other locations around the planet.

“I suppose I’ll be a bit nervous before the first run, but once we get going I’ll be right,’’ she smiled.

The Forster parkrun already has two major sponsors, Beach Bums and Club Forster.

“They’ve been great,’’ Mary said.