Parkrun returns to Bellevue on Saturday mornings

Some weekly outdoor has fun has returned to Bellevue Park.

After being forced to shut down during the pandemic, Parkrun is excited to welcome back walkers and runners of all ages to Bellevue.

Parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly 5-kilometre community event that takes place every Saturday at 9 a.m.

Event organizer Andy Bessell started Parkrun in 2017 and he’s thrilled to offer this healthy initiative to locals once again. 

"The weather's getting nicer," he says. "We try to incorporate the whole family. We encourage people to get out with their family and friends and join us at the park."

Bellevue Parkrun returned for the first time last week since the onset of COVID.

Bessell says participants are not expected to run, and they're free to go at their own pace. They don't even have to complete the entire 5-kilometre course.

"If that's all you're capable of doing, even better," he says. "That's one step further than you were last week."

Participants are asked to register online and bring the barcode they receive on the website with them to help keep track of their results.

Parkrun is a program held all across the world. Originally from South Africa, Bessell picked up the initiative when he moved to the Sault, and says it's been growing ever since.

"There was only half a dozen throughout Canada when I got here," he says. "But now we're up to over 20. We get between 12 and 20 people at the Bellevue Parkrun per week. We're pleased with the turnout, but we'd like to see it grow even more."