2026 Parkrun update by Michelle Mullins

It's been a while since we've had a Masters parkrun review - you know, summer months, school holidays, Masters Track events, training and family schedules 🤗

But..... we're back on track now and we'll start with our January parkrun takeover which happened to be at the lovely Frog Hollow. A gorgeous course that sways around wetlands with bridges and paths wide enough to accommodate larger numbers. It was a good thing really as we added about 20 extra to their usual crowd.

All the required Volunteer roles were covered plus a few extra and the morning went well, albeit a tad muggy for those endeavouring to gain a PB.

Frog Hollow regulars marvelled at such a huge friendly club who came together to help our their fellow parkrunners and give their usual Volunteers a break so they could complete their own 5k. We did see a lovely winter frog beanie on the day as Bernie never fails to surprise us with his parkrun wardrobe. 🐸

Mesh being his usual self, finished and then proceeded to go backwards on course to follow up with his fellow Master's and to encourage them through the finish flags. 😀 Thank you Mesh.

Once again we finished with a post parkrun coffee at Joe's Cafe in Cranbourne.

February's Masters Volunteers saw us take over Cascades Wetlands for their 5th Birthday event. And take over we did. A sea of blue, green and orange covered the wetlands course as well as Volunteers queuing up to complete our 33 strong roster.

This was the 4th time Masters have jumped in for a takeover day and the Cascades Core team are truly grateful.

Personal Bests were celebrated with a hearty BBQ breakfast (Masters members on chef duty) and coffee provided by the Miss Minx Coffee van. Lynette was welcomed back for the 2nd year and thinks we are all amazing for what we do.

Once again Bernie brought out his parkrun awesomeness and walked the whole 5k as a birthday cake. Sadly, no PB but he was definitely the most encouraging cake we ever met.

We also need to thank Marnie for her fabulous birthday Cookies. 🤤

In between our Volunteer days, a few Masters slipped out to Berwick Waters parkrun on the 21st of February to seek out PB's. Being another scenic and flat Wetlands course it is ideal for just that. We're happy to say Eftalia, Megan (paced by Mesh) & Michelle M (paced by Tracey) all received a Personal Best. Well done 👏👏👏👏👏

If you're looking for our next adventure, we are at Belvedere parkrun (in Seaford) on the 28th of March. We are not on the roster for volunteering but attending as a club to support each other. Lets fill another parkrun with our fabulous colours.

If you would like to try for a PB when we attend, let us know and we will find a pacer for you. This is a fabulous way our Masters athletes can work one on one to help you acheive your goals. Regardless of speed - we are all athletes!

So, until next time, enjoy your what you do, bring your best to your events and keep smiling through the 1600/400's that Mesh seems to enjoy inflicting on us at training. 🤪