A total of 247 runners took part in the first run of 2018 – well up on the 144 people in the last run of 2017. 

The Bathurst Parkrun – a free timed event in which participants are encouraged to improve each week, rather than compete against others - has just celebrated its 77th event.

Bathurst Parkrun co-event director Jennifer Arnold said the run is a great opportunity for people to get active, and get to know other members of the Bathurst community.

“The Parkrun provides somewhere for people new to Bathurst to have something familiar to them straight away, and gives them an opportunity to meet like-minded people,” she said.

People of all ages are encouraged to participate.

“There aren’t many sporting events where three generations of families can take part, however they can at the Parkrun,” she said.

The event has “run” in the title, but participants can tackle the track at their own pace.

Bathurst was not the only site to receive an increase in numbers: nationally, there was a 5000 participant increase across all of Australia’s 264 Parkruns last week.

Bathurst’s five kilometre Parkrun begins at Bicentennial Park every Saturday at 8am.