Co-ordinator, Mary Yule, admits to being ‘a bit nervous’ about Saturday’s 5km run. However, she said all is in readiness. Now all is needed is some luck with the weather.

The run will start at 8am from the Pebbly Beach Reserve. Runners will negotiate a 5km along the Bicentennial Walk in the Pebbly Beach parkland off Head Street, Forster. The course is run entirely on crusher ash compacted paths.

“We had a trial run a couple of weeks ago and the feedback was really positive,’’ Mary said.

“We had around 45 starters and 20 volunteers. It’s a beautiful course and people are going to enjoy the great views.’’

She said there has been some minor tweaking of the start/finish area after the trial. Mary expects there be entrants from neighbouring towns along with Newcastle and Port Macquarie on Saturday.

“I know a lot of people around here are really excited about it,’’ she said.

“We want everyone there by 7.45 and make sure you bring your printed bar code. Otherwise your time won’t be recorded.’’

Parkruns are conducted worldwide and Forster-Tuncurry is the latest member of the parkrun family. 

Mary said she has received enormous support from the Taree organisers led by event director, Marg Lewis, who was at Forster for the trial. Marg and Janelle Jefferies were prime movers behind the start of the Taree parkrun and both will be at the Forster launch.

Mary stressed that parkrun is for the community to take part in and there’s no obligation to run the 5km.

“We want people to enjoy the morning,’’ she said.

“They can run, run/walk or walk, whatever they like.’’

Mary said she is already fielding inquiries from parkrunners who will be in the holidaying in the Great Lakes over Christmas.

“They’ll be bringing their bar codes with them to go in our run,’’ she said.

“Parkrun is going to be a great asset for our community.’’

Major sponsors are Beach Bums Cafe and Club Forster while Mary said MidCoast Council’s assistance with the organisation of the inaugural event is appreciated.