As I sit down after putting dinner on to cook, a great classic song comes into mind 'click go the shears' (my be too old for the young players). Then suddenly the light bulb comes on, time to finalise the park run roster. Now I need someone to sing a song for me. It's called 'click goes the shutter'. I believe it will be a Saturday morning smash hit. I hope I haven't lost too many people in my poetic ways, if I have I shall keep it simple. Position vacant: Photographer 11/3/17 First in best dressed.

Rockhampton parkrun

Selecting Pic-of-The-Week is an important and demanding duty; so many great shots, many suggesting that behind the picture there is a magical story. I scroll through the photos listening to what they are telling me and wondering if this is POTW. And then I press the next button and a photo like this yells at me "I'm POTW!" I have a great vantage point on our course just before the finish line. I watch the pained expressions climb the "slight incline", often backed by comments of "gratitude" (from those that obviously haven't spend enough energy) for including topography at the 4500m mark - "your welcome". 500m later those same faces a beaming, the pace is up and they look like there are are ready to tackle another 5km. Todays POTW ladies might give Usan a run for him money. Way to go girls. No doubt a bit of strategy was played out in this race. I suspect a steady start, picked up the pace at the lagoon, tested each other on the "slight incline" without emptying the tank, quicken in the Japanese gardens and you guessed it, SPRINT FINISH !!!! Any outing that finishes like this is an excellent result. The kids are funny too. Mum and dad coax some kids all around the course, only to be left for dead at the finish line. And afterwards they will boast about having beaten mum and dad at parkrun. Congratulations to all our finishers, but thank you to those that entertain me with their weekly dash for the line. I'll be watching todays POTW ladies closely in future weeks to see if the strategies change; no doubt the smiles will remain. Thank you ladies, great run and super finish.

Week 50

So many smiles this week. Apologies to everyone at the front that started a little blurry. I didn't have the shutter set correctly.

Sweepers Album

Craig came up with the best idea involving a broom being carried around the circuit by our last walker each week. Sweepers are cheered over the line so we thought they deserved their own album for photos. Thank you to our sweepers for taking on this important role that ensures everyone makes it back and no one is left behind!!

Rockhampton Parkrun Volunteers!

The parkrun is only as good as its leader, Craig McCormack and his band of volunteers! Here are some snaps of them at work each week!

Running Jump Shots

If you can make the effort to jump and we can capture some of it, you have made it into the album! Running Jump Shots now has its own album, so bring them on!! The challenge is on for runners AND the photographer capturing them! As long as both feet are off the ground in an attempt at a Running Jump Shot, your photo will be in this album. Good luck!

2017 Rockhampton Road Runners Season Opener Fun Run

Rocky parkrunners. A reminder or heads up for those looking for a hit out this Sunday. Rockhampton Road Runners are having their Season Opener Run (5 or 10 km options), this Sunday at 7am Start at Huish Drive. You can register via the link below. RRR club members get a discounted online entry of $10, non-members are $15. See you at parkrun and/or see you on Sunday, either way I look forward to seeing you. Craig https://2017rrrseasonopener.eventdesq.com

Timeline Photos

I'm not sure what to say about this Pic-O-The-Week but anyone that gets this excited about being at parkrun deserves recognition (and probably an apology from me for bringing it to everyones attention). I know the Grammar gents are great supporters of parkrun, but I never realised how important it is for some to get out and release the tensions. parkrun certainly provides us with a cross-section of personalities. With some, butter wouldn't melt, and at the other end of the scale are photo-bombing star jumpers. One thing I believe we all have in common, is an appreciation for our little Saturday morning outings. For at least one hour every week, we can leave our world behind and be whomever we choose. Some do it in style and others .... let's just say they have a style of their own, but style nonetheless. Thank you for being part of our weird and wonderful parkrun family gents.

I am happy to report that our record attendance of 303 only lasted two weeks, surpassed today with 330. Thank you and congratulations all round to our colourful and energetic parkrunners. Where else would you find 330 smiles (some more publicly displayed than others) at 7am on a Saturday morning? And the variety of people that can participate in parkrun is particularly special. For the many new starters that we have seen in recent weeks, I hope you are enjoying the experience and have felt welcomed. Regardless of your time and effort, I would like to think that you return home feeling lifted from doing something positive in such a fantastic place (thanks to the Botanical Gardens staff BTW). Please retain the parkrun high for as long into the week as you can, invite family and friends to join-in and don't forget to put it in your calendar for next week. Another fantastic morning. Well done.

Why Rocky's runners are racing to join the latest craze

Rockhampton parkrun

Apologies for the lateness of this Pic-Of-The-Week; not much time at home this weekend. Something about this Pic reminds me that footy season is here again. There are few better ways for boys to bond than supporting the same footy team, and in the process both young and old(er) can learn so many of life's magical lessons that leave lasting memories. I know we all have our own reasons for parkrun, but these boys obviously want to show their colours and feel the rewards of putting in an effort. One does however look as though he is enjoying himself more than the other, but it is early in the season. Fantastic effort boys, both of you are another fantastic snapshot of Rockhampton parkrun. Keep loving your footy boys and keep running together, it's a wonderful sight.