Medibank and parkrun have announced a free, national community event that will hit the road this February – touring Australia for the first time.
parkrun is a community-led organisation helping more than 850,000 participants across Australia feel connected and energised in the outdoors.
The tour will commence in Melbourne and venture across Australia from February to July, stopping at 12 key parkrun locations. It will finish in Cairns.
Featuring appearances from fitness and wellbeing icons Tim Robards and Emily Toner, the Medibank x parkrun Road Trip will kick off in Melbourne’s Albert Park before making its way around the country.
The national tour aims to encourage Australians from all states and territories to get active and connect with their local communities through physical activity, including volunteering.
The travelling Medibank Live Better Lounge, an outdoor space featuring umbrellas, seating, massages, giveaways, and refreshments for parkrun participants, will pop up at 12 key parkrun locations throughout the six-month road trip.
Medibank group executive of customer and brands, Rob Deeming, said, “We’ve been proudly sponsoring parkrun since 2016 as we share a commitment to support the health and wellbeing of people in Australia.
“parkrun is for everyone, and I encourage everyone to give it a go and make it a part of your weekly routine.”
Medibank Live Better Ambassador, Tim Robards, will also be rallying Australians – encouraging everyone to get involved and better their health and wellbeing in 2023.
“I’m not as constant with my running these days and don’t identify as a ‘runner’ as such, but what I love about parkrun is that it’s always there, consistently when you are ready for it. You can get your friends together and make it a healthy catchup rather than a beer at the pub and you’re able to participate at any fitness level. I’ve got mates in Adelaide and Newcastle that do it regularly and it’s nice to know I can keep my Saturday morning free and tie my catchups in with a good run and some even better endorphins,” said Robards.
“Whether you’re just starting out, or a regular participant, parkrun is designed to help make exercise and community engagement accessible, affordable, and fun for Aussies of all ages and abilities.”