Tags: Event Profile, parkrun profile
One of the newest parkruns to join the parkrun Australia family is Leeton Sport and Recreation Precinct parkrun.
The event is located in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, about 150km west of Wagga Wagga and about 50km east of Griffith. Leeton has an art deco history which is celebrated in July with the Art Deco Festival.
The parkrun course is flat, mostly paved but has a grass section. It is located right in the middle of town close to a skate park, exercise equipment and the pool. There are two turn around points on the course.
The deciduous trees provide a pretty backdrop in autumn and again in spring when they are full of blossoms. There is a bridge across the irrigation and drainage channels and in winter pelicans come to catch fish in the channels.
Leeton has many local attractions, including the nearby Altina Wildlife Park, a zoo where visitors are taken around in carriages with full commentary. There are also plenty of wineries.
Easter is also a popular time to take a hot air balloon ride.
For keen parkrun tourists, the motel directly across from the course is the perfect place to stay.
The event averages about 50 participants which has remained steady since they started in April 2021. Volunteers have been supportive from the outset.
Event director Andrew Watson did his first parkrun at Airlie Beach and thought it would be great to bring it to Leeton.
“I saw it had many advantages for a small town. My main reasoning was it was somewhere for new people to meet other people,” Andrew said.
Lots of families have taken to Leeton Sport and Recreation Reserve parkrun and not all have come from a running background.
Dogs are permitted on the course and prams need to be sturdy enough to handle the grass section.
While there is not one particular cafe participants meet at after the event, they are hoping to have a coffee van later in the year.
Check out Leeton Sport and Recreation Precinct parkrun’s website here and their Facebook page here.
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