Join ‘Team Veteran’.

The ‘Team Veteran’ parkrun Running Club, that is!

What’s a (not)parkrun?

parkruns are free, social 5km events that take place every Saturday morning in hundreds of locations around Australia.

While many parkrun events are still closed due to COVID-19, (not)parkrun has been created as a virtual initiative and opportunity to do a 5km walk, jog or run at any place, at any time and at any pace.

Time to lace up your runners– it’s easy and free!

Doing a virtual (not)parkrun is a great way to stay active and connected with your community.

No wonder more than 100,000 people have already done one!

Everyone can get involved, no matter what your situation is. Whether it’s a jog around your neighbourhood, sweating it out on the treadmill or walking the dog, we can all have a crack.

Registering and taking part is free and easy:

1. RSVP to our Facebook event
2. Register with parkrun and join the ‘Team Veteran’ running club
3. Do a 5km walk, jog or run during 24 October to 1 November
4. Post a photo with #vsamovement
5. Log your time online

Working together

Chair of Veteran Sport Australia, James Brown, is thrilled to be leading on the Veterans’ Health Week initiative.

“We’re delighted to be working with parkrun Australia and Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling,” says James. “2020 has been an extremely challenging year, with many veterans and their families hit especially hard by the pandemic.

“Engaging with sporting activities this year has been harder than ever before, but we know how important it is to maintain good physical and mental health. That’s why we’ve developed this initiative for Veterans’ Health Week. Together, we’re encouraging all veterans and their families to be active and connect despite many of the challenges that we face.

“The start of Veterans’ Health Week 2020 will also mark the two year anniversary of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018. It’s an opportunity to reflect on that incredible event, those moving stories and the power of sport in supporting the wellbeing of veterans and their families.”

Glen Turner is parkrun Australia’s Health and Wellbeing Lead and is keen to encourage veterans and their families to join the parkrun community during Veterans’ Health Week.

“parkrun is one of the largest community-led movements in Australia with more than 400 events around the country,” says Glen. “It’s exciting to be working with Veteran Sport Australia and Open Arms to welcome many more veterans and their families into parkrun.”

Glen’s a huge advocate for the positive impact parkrun has on physical health and mental wellbeing.

“It’s well known that outdoor physical activity and social interaction are important factors that underpin our wellbeing. parkrun creates a positive, inclusive and supportive environment where people can achieve that feel good factor.

“During this challenging time, (not)parkrun is proving to be an effective virtual way for our community to stay active, connect and welcome new participants.”

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling is similarly excited to be collaborating on the Veterans’ Health Week initiative and will be encouraging everyone to get involved during the week through their network of Community and Peer Advisors.

“Social connection continues to be a real challenge this year, as has been managing our mental and physical health during these times,” says Stephanie Hodson, National Manager of Open Arms. “The ability to get our community active during Veterans’ Health Week and set them up to continue with parkrun and connect with Veteran Sport Australia into the future is fantastic.

“This initiative is for all veterans – serving, former serving and reservists. Importantly, it’s also for their family members and their friends. I’d encourage everyone to sign up to parkrun, join the Team Veteran running club and have a go.”