Thames runners, joggers, and fresh-air enthusiasts are invited to a free Pop-up Parkrun event, taking place on the Historic Kōpū Bridge on September 5.
The event is the result of nearly two years of work by local Chris Kemp and his partner Kendall Todd to begin a Parkrun community in Thames, and they’re hopeful the one-off event will generate the interest needed to develop a regular programme.
“The plan is to show the community what Parkrun is all about,” Kendall told The Profile.
“And the bridge is going to be opened up as well.”
Parkrun is a social, volunteer-led event where people meet every weekend to run or walk five kilometres in an open space in their community. There are Parkrun groups around the world, and participants can log their races online via a barcode system.
Parkrun can also be “prescribed” by GPs, and Kendall said having a local group was a great way for doctors to help their patients develop a healthy lifestyle.
Chris first floated the idea of a Thames Parkrun group in December, 2024, hoping to create a legacy to the sport he loves in the wake of his terminal diagnosis with motor neuron disease (MND).
But despite the enthusiasm of several locals, there have not been enough volunteers to facilitate a group.
“[Chris] had nearly given up, but it feels like we’re finally making progress,” Kendall said.
“We’re using [the pop-up event] as an opportunity to try and build our volunteer base, because at the moment that’s basically what’s holding up the Parkrun – we just need some more names on board.
“We’ve got about six people… we might need a rotating roster of around 12 people, so they don’t have to do every weekend.”
While Chris will not be running the course himself – his MND has progressed to the point where he now must use a power wheelchair – he hopes to be well enough to attend on the day and see the run take place.
“I am anxious about my health – it’s going to be so different for me now,” he said.
The course for the run will include a couple of laps of the Historic Kōpū Bridge and sections of the Thames side of the Hauraki Rail Trail.
DETAILS: Historic Kōpū Bridge Pop-up Parkrun, 12pm on September 5. The meeting point is the Kōpū cycle trail shelter on Pakura Close, parking available at On All Floors Flooring Xtra.
