Event Profile – Bowen

Bowen parkrun is one of a growing number of parkuns that have popped up in Far North Queensland over the past year. It is located in the Whitsunday Region and has a population just over 10,000.

Last week Bowen was hit by the force of nature, Category 4 Cyclone Debbie. In the short time since this event, the Bowen community have rolled up their sleeves, cleaned up and are getting back in business, ready to welcome visitors to their region and parkrun.

The parkrun adventurers had a chat to Event Director Leanne Paul this week about the clean up and asked if she had visited her parkrun since Debbie hit “The council are out there making a difference with our course, but gosh there’s such a big clean up around the place still. Amongst all of that rubbish and debris lying around, whether its from trees or houses, people are just getting on with their daily lives.”

When asked to describe her town and event, Leanne said “It’s a beautiful place, it’s a coastal town. It is quiet and we like it that way. I think a lot of tourists, holiday makers and grey nomads come here because it is so quiet. I would describe our parkrun community as more of a family orientated parkrun. Everyday heroes, just Mum and Dad coming out with the kids.”

We wish Leanne and all Bowen parkrunners a quick recovery and clean up and encourage all parkrun adventurers and tourists to add Bowen to your list of parkruns to visit soon. And don’t forget Bowen is also famous for its mangoes, so if you visit, make sure you pop by the Big Mango and sample some of the local fruits.