“On such a cold day, it was more than we could have expected,” director Jennifer Arnold said. 

She said there were regular runners, a few first-timers and some ‘parkrun tourists’ in attendance.

The anniversary celebrations included the usual five-kilometre run, a Christmas in July dress-up theme and food. 

“We had a really big cake and some cupcakes. The cake came from Carah’s and the cupcakes were donated by Lunch Runner,” Ms Arnold said. “I made a batch of mulled wine to warm everyone up because it was so cold and it wouldn’t be Christmas in July without a little mulled wine.”

Ms Arnold thanked the 247 volunteers that kept the event running over the past 12 months and the sponsors who continue to support parkrun. 

“We are so grateful they had confidence to support us, even without knowing a lot about what parkrun was initially,” she said.

“Thanks to our major sponsors Mark Simons at Dedicated to Fitness and John Roberts at Bathurst Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic. Also thank you to Marathon Health, Bathurst RSL Club 10km and Half Marathon, Shannon Short at BodyFX Exercise Physiology and to Steel and Co. Solicitors.

“Bathurst Regional Council has also been one of our major supporters. They've let us use their beautifully maintained parks and paths throughout the year and it's such a picturesque space for us to start our weekend.”