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NUMBERS are increasing at Taree parkrun as warmer weather starts to pick up.
As part of International Parkrun Day, Tareeparticipants wore different colours to represent their heritage or culture, with some also wearing flags as capes.
During the themed run a bright shimmering of colours blazed along the Manning River foreshore. It looked like a colourful celebration, and it was, as on that day the record for the amount of runners at Taree parkrun was broken.
According to Taree parkrun director Marg Lewis the previous record which was made on their launch day was 155, now the record stands at 176.
"Numbers are definitely picking up and we still seem to get at least 15 new people each week," Marg said.
"We now have 755 people registered for Taree parkrun."
Marg said one the things that keeps bringing people back is the "social space" Taree parkrun offers each Saturday morning.
"People hang around after their run and chat, meet up with friends or meet new friends - it's great," Marg explained.
"We also have so many families doing it now. Some even have three generations doing it. One family has said its the first thing they've found that they can do as a family.
"More and more people are staying longer after their run and cheering others on as they finish. It really is a wonderful inclusive and encouraging community."
Since beginning in May, Taree parkrun has never had to be called off, as to Marg's amazement it has never rained on a Taree parkrun.
"We must have a parkrun fairy,"she said.
"A few weeks ago I thought we were going to get wet but the rain stopped just as we were setting up and then started again after we'd packed up."
The only problem Taree parkrun seems to run into frequently is the search for volunteers for roles which need be filled each week.
"We are still having to put a plea on the Facebook page most weeks to fill all roles", Marg said.
"There are many people who haven't volunteered yet, and there are quite a few who have volunteered a number of times."
However according to Marg, Taree Rotary Club and other businesses are looking into filling the roles at one of weekly runs.
To take part in Taree parkrun register at www.parkrun.com.au/register
Print out your personalised barcode and present it to volunteers at the end of your run.
The weekly event involves a 5km run along the Manning River starting at Endeavour Place near the Taree Rowing Club.
Attendees are also welcome to walk the track with the starting time at 8am.
Themed runs will continue to be planned for Taree parkrun including a special Christmas themed run on the Saturday before Christmas Day.