In July 2017, Local Member of Parliament, Tony Piccolo, attended the official launch of the Gawler parkun at Clonlea Park.
Little did he know at the time, that event would lead to a major change in his life.
On Saturday 22nd February, Mr Piccolo will be participating in his 100th parkrun.
The event will take on a special significance, as Mr Piccolo will be celebrating his 60th birthday on the day.
Not satisfied with that milestone, Mr Piccolo has set himself the goal of achieving a personal best (PB) time for the run.
Mr Piccolo said he Decided to participate in the first run because he was “going to be there anyway” but he struggled with the run so much, that he was “embarrassed” at how unfit he was.
“I had to stop a number of times during the 5km run, and I thought I was going to die, and that was at the 2km Mark,” said Mr Piccolo.
“I was shocked at how unfit I was, that I Decided to participate in the parkrun on an ongoing basis.”
“Only injuries and work commitments have kept me away and I am looking forward to my 100 parkrun on my birthday.”
“I am aiming for my own “trifecta” on the day by trying to beat my PB time to date of 24 minutes, 59 seconds.”
Mr Piccolo said he has received a great deal of encouragement and support from other runners.’’
“All the runners compete against themselves rather than others and there is a very friendly atmosphere at the parkrun.”
“ In particular, would like to thank Cheryl McKibbin, the initiator and first Event Director for the Gawler parkrun.
Ms McKibbin said it has been very rewarding to see Tony’s fitness journey as well as the growth of the Gawler parkrun since she launched it in July 2017.
“I am extremely grateful for his continued support of parkrun and have welcomed his enthusiasm both as a participant and volunteer.”
“It goes to show what great things you can achieve as a community, “said Ms McKibbin.
Parkrun is a free, family friendly volunteer run event across the world.
Runners, joggers and walkers set off at 8 am every Saturday in locations across the state, Australia and the world for their timed 5km run. Mr Piccolo said it was great that the event was free, making it accessible to all people, including families with young children.
“Some runners even push a pram along the course, but it is a little embarrassing when you get beaten by person pushing a pram with two children in it,” quipped Mr Piccolo.
Mr Piccolo said he would encourage other local residents to join the parkrun event, as it is a great way to increase your fitness while making new friends.