What a run, from Wimbledon to Main Beach Gold Coast Australia – an amazing story.

Tim’s journey with Parkrun Australia showcases the transformative power of vision, passion, and unwavering commitment. From a small seed of possibility, he nurtured and grew something truly extraordinary. Parkrun has evolved into more than just a weekly run; it has become a lifeline, a catalyst for positive change, and a conduit to express the many challenges we each face – A unifying force. Tim’s unwavering dedication to promoting health, well-being, and community connection sets a very high bar. As you dive into his inspiring story, remember that each of us has the potential to contribute to building something special in our own communities. I hope that Tim’s example shines a light on the possibilities in your life and ignites your willingness to do rise above yourself and do something special. Just as our Villager-styled community empowers Main Beach to realize its greater possibilities and higher realities, let Tim’s journey inspire you to unleash the greatness within your own community.

By Steve Holmes
The Villager

2 Wimbleton Parkruns with Clarence (Dog) and I was hooked – This Parkrun initiative has legs.

In the heart of Main Beach, a movement was born that would forever change the landscape of running and community engagement in Australia. I had the privilege of sitting down with Tim Oberg, the Founder and former CEO of parkrun Australia, to dive into his inspiring journey and the incredible impact parkrun has had on our beloved Main Beach villager community and beyond.

The Oberg family are Airlie Beach parkrunners these days with the oldest – Jack, the current under 11’s North Queensland Cross Country Champion – and his two younger siblings Evie, 9, and Archie, 6, all participating.

Tim’s passion for running began during his travels, where he saw running as a great way to explore new cities. Originally a weightlifter representing Australia in age grades, Tim found that all he needed was a pair of runners to embark on his running adventures. With a teaching background and a degree in Human Movement, Tim saw an opportunity to bring the parkrun movement, which originated in the UK, to our shores. It all began with a serendipitous visit to a parkrun event in Wimbledon Common, UK, where Tim, accompanied by his dog Clarence, experienced the sense of community and inclusivity that would later inspire and fuel a new vision for Australia.

In 2010, armed with his newfound inspiration, Tim reached out to Paul Sinton-Hewitt CBE FRSA, the founder of parkrun, expressing his interest in bringing the initiative to Australia. Tim and Paul reached parkrun’s first-ever international territory agreement, setting the stage for the launch of parkrun Australia. By January 2011, Tim and his wife Nicci arrived in Australia, territory licensing agreement in hand. It was no coincidence that Main Beach, an idea proposed by Sam Hughes and Ron Clarke, became the birthplace of parkrun Australia.

“We decided we wanted to launch parkrun somewhere in Australia that had wide open spaces, long sandy beaches, trails, and mountains to run through. The Gold Coast ticked all of these boxes.”

Why Main Beach? Tim explained that Main Beach, with its stunning Spit region, was seen as an area that could be renewed and upgraded for more positive public engagement. Teaming up with Sam Hughes, a former Gold Coast marathon winner and now the Active and Healthy Program Manager, and under the supportive leadership of Ron Clarke, then Mayor of the Gold Coast and a former international running star and champion for Australia, Tim and his team had found the perfect location to launch parkrun Australia. The inaugural event on April 2, 2011, marked a historic moment not only for parkrun but for Main Beach and the Gold Coast as well.

From the first event onward, Main Beach parkrun showcased the strength of community within a community. Families, friends, runners, walkers, and people from all walks of life came together every Saturday morning to be a part of something extraordinary. The City of Gold Coast’s support and promotion drew people who wouldn’t typically run, creating a welcoming environment where everyone felt included.

As with any endeavor, challenges emerged along the way. Sharing the path with regular walkers, dog walkers, and cyclists required understanding and cooperation, which the community wholeheartedly embraced. Some running clubs initially viewed parkrun as a threat, but it soon became a gateway to running clubs, events, triathlons, adventure running, and healthy lifestyles. The rapid growth of parkrun across the country posed its own set of challenges, but Tim’s team, along with supportive sponsors like Adidas and Medibank, worked tirelessly to keep up with the demand.

Parkrun’s impact goes well beyond the physical act of running. It has revitalized communities that were once stagnant and brought people together in ways never imagined. I had the privilege of hearing stories from individuals like Libby Maxwell, whose life was transformed by the inclusive and supportive parkrun community. Parkrun has become a lifeline, a safe space, and a catalyst for positive change. Read more on Libby’s story

Main Beach parkrun holds a special place in the hearts of many. It was the first parkrun in Australia, and every Saturday, ‘parkrun tourists’ from around the world join the event to tick that box on their parkrun bucket list. The natural beauty of the Main Beach course, weaving through Federation Walk with its breathtaking ocean vista, further elevates the experience.

As parkrun Australia continues to grow, the opportunities are endless. With the power to connect communities, promote health and wellbeing, and create lasting friendships, parkrun’s positive influence will only continue to expand. Tim’s vision and dedication have laid the foundation for a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

Tim now lives in Airlie Beach pursuing another healthy initiative: The Healthy Kids Project aims to empower families to be exceptionally healthy. We give tools and resources to parents, to allow them to inspire their kids to make healthy choices as they grow and to avoid having to unwind bad habits as adults. This is something that fitted Tim’s experience and expertise and extends what was learned from his parkrun days. Read more about The Healthy Kids Project.

On behalf of Main Beach’s Villager Community, we extend our deepest gratitude to Tim Oberg for his incredible vision, unwavering commitment, and the legacy he has created. Parkrun has not only enhanced our community’s wellbeing but has also put Main Beach on the map as a vibrant and inclusive running destination. We celebrate the countless stories of personal triumphs, friendships forged, and the spirit of togetherness that parkrun embodies.

Tim’s possibility became possible, an idea that found its reality, and the villager community of Main Beach is forever grateful. As I wind down my conversation with Tim, one thing is clear: Parkrun Australia’s journey is far from over. The impact that Tim and his initiative has had on Main Beach and communities nationwide is immeasurable. It has gifted a deeper more meaningful sense of community and camaraderie to our Villager community. History shows that Tim Oberg, Sam Hughes, and Ron Clarke’s choice of Main Beach was the perfect location to launch parkrun Australia, and its presence in a prime tourist location has elevated both parkrun, Main Beach, and the Gold Coast.

So consider yourself invited, all you need to do is lace up your running shoes this Saturday morning and experience a community on the move. Become part of the Villager solution, and let parkrun become part of your success equation – together, we can continue to write the next chapters of this extraordinary legacy.

Honouring the very First Australian parkrunners:

parkrun number 1; participants and results

As we reflect on parkrun Australia’s journey, it’s important to honor those who took part in that inaugural event. There can only be one first Australian parkrun, and at least half a dozen people travel to Main Beach to tick this off their bucket list each week. We must remember and appreciate those who were our very first parkrunners in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere.

The List of Runners and Volunteers: Let’s take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the individuals who participated in that historic event. The following runners were part of the inaugural Main Beach parkrun:

In addition, we must express our gratitude to the volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to make that first event possible:

John Borbidge (Event Director), Samantha Alexander, Nichole Dean, Tim Gordon, Erol Korkmaz, Jaime Laurente and of course, Tim Oberg.

All these individuals hold a special place in parkrun Australia’s (and Main Beach’s) history, and their participation and support paved the way for the incredible growth and impact of parkrun across the nation.

The Volunteers and the runners who answered the City of Gold Coasts Call to parkrun in Main Beach with Tim Oberg and transform his Wimbedon Common possibility into a reality.

The volunteers

Samantha ALEXANDER, John Gerard BORBIDGE, Nichole Tracey DEAN, Tim GORDON, Erol KORKMAZ, Jaime LAURENTE, Tim OBERG

Read the feature on John Borbidge the first parkrun event director.

The Participants

1. Geoff HOLLOWAY: Male, VM40-44, 17:13
2. Brad MUST: Male, VM45-49, 18:34
3. Unknown
4. Peter HALL: Male, VM55-59, 19:05
5. Damien WILLIAMS: Male, VM40-44, 19:26
6. Craig PASCOE: Male, SM30-34, 19:26
7. John FITZGERALD: Male, VM40-44, Surfers Paradise triathlon club, 19:39
8. Unknown
9. Stephen SHOWELL: Male, VM40-44, 20:02
10. Paul EWING: Male, VM40-44, 20:11
11. Samantha HUGHES: Female, VW35-39, 20:15
12. Unknown
13. Tony LITFIN: Male, VM45-49, 20:24
14. Ryan MCDONALD: Male, SM30-34, SERF Running, 20:47
15. John GILDERS: Male, VM40-44, 20:52
16. Phil SOEGAARD: Male, VM35-39, 21:19
17. Alton CONNOR: Male, VM35-39, 21:32
18. Cristian AMOS: Male, VM35-39, 21:42
19. Jarrad Edward YOUNG: Male, SM30-34, 21:42
20. Unknown
21. Leah ROSEVEAR: Female, VW50-54, 22:19
22. Rags SCOTT: Male, VM40-44, 22:20
23. Unknown
24. Mark HOWARD: Male, VM45-49, 22:56
25. Mark GILBERT: Male, VM50-54, 23:23
26. Christine MCDOUGALL: Female, VW50-54, 23:30
27. Kylie SOEGAARD: Female, SW30-34, 23:42
28. Dallas YOUNG: Male, VM35-39, 23:43
29. Joshua MCGUIGAN: Male, JM15-17, 24:35
30. Ian CLIFFORD: Male, VM50-54, 24:43
31. Toni PERERA: Female, VW35-39, 24:45
32. Unknown
33. Lachlan PASCOE: Male, JM15-17, 25:06
34. Guy BROOKS: Male, SM30-34, 25:21
35. Thomas HITCHEN: Male, VM40-44, 25:22
36. David WARD: Male, VM40-44, 25:27
37. Jenni GALE: Female, VW35-39, 25:33
38. Mark FORBES: Male, VM35-39, 25:43
39. Phillip CUTLER: Male, VM45-49, 26:26
40. Chris DOCHERTY: Female, VW60-64, 27:31
41. Adam GIMBERT: Male, SM30-34, Multisport Gold, 27:58
42. Kellie MORRIS: Female, VW35-39, COGC 8 week challenge, 27:59
43. Brian PETERS: Male, VM50-54, SRAWSC, 28:39
44. Chontelle CLARK: Female, SW25-29, 28:47
45. Michael SAUNDERS: Male, VM40-44, 29:03
46. Megan Jane PETTIONA: Female, VW35-39, 29:24
47. Liam WILLIAMS: Male, JM11-14, 30:16
48. Trish OWEN: Female, VW60-64, 30:19
49. Libby TAYLOR: Female, VW35-39, 30:51
50. Kerrie ALGEO: Female, VW45-49, 30:54
51. Karen SCOTT: Female, VW40-44, 30:58
52. Lynda SPRINGER: Female, VW55-59, 31:16
53. Shelley KLUTKE: Female, VW55-59, 31:57
54. Annelie NILSSON: Female, VW40-44, 32:18
55. Tanya LIPUS: Female, SW25-29, 32:20
56. Clare BROOKS: Female, SW25-29, 32:20
57. Janine CHANCELLOR: Female, VW40-44, 32:48
58. Steven SPRINGER: Male, VM60-64, 33:03
59. Sabien VERCRUYSSE: Female, VW40-44, 33:05
60. Kylie MCERLANE: Female, VW35-39, 33:06
61. Karen MCLEOD: Female, VW35-39, 33:28
62. Julie BRYANT: Female, VW45-49, SRAWSC, 33:40
63. Christian HENNINGS: Male, VM35-39, COGC 8 week challenge, 33:41
64. Mike LALOR: Male, VM70-74, 33:57
65. Nicci MEYER: Female, SW25-29, 34:28
66. Sarah-Jane HARRISON: Female, SW25-29, 34:29
67. Renee GIMBERT: Female, SW25-29, Multisport Gold, 35:01
68. Lina HELDON: Female, VW35-39, 36:29
69. Verity CORRELL: Female, SW25-29, 36:33
70. Uebree COETZER: Female, SW18-19, 36:34
71. Senol KORKMAZ: Male, SM30-34, 37:10
72. Michael BLAIR: Male, VM40-44, 37:33
73. Julie FULLER: Female, VW45-49, 38:56
74. Merla KYFFIN: Female, VW45-49, 39:22
75. Tony WILLIAMS, Male, VM45-49, 39:34
76. Glenn ANDERSON, Male, VM45-49, 39:57
77. Joseph Eric BLEAKLEY, Male, VM50-54, 39:58
78. Jennifer Anne CHAMBERS, Female, VW50-54, 40:14
79. Unknown, -, -, –
80. Amber WILLIAMS, Female, JW10, 40:53
81. Unknown, -, -, –
82. Melissa WILLIAMS, Female, VW35-39, 41:12
83. Sean MCCLELLAND, Male, VM50-54, 41:26
84. Helen WILLIAMS, Female, VW60-64, 41:55
85. Hannah MUELLER, Female, JW11-14, 43:12
86. Melissa MUELLER, Female, VW35-39, 43:13
87. Ebony MUELLER, Female, JW11-14, 43:55
88. Axel Bird LE SAGE, Male, SM20-24, 44:42
89. Alan GERRARD, Male, VM70-74, 44:44
90. Helen CLIFFORD, Female, VW45-49, 44:55
91. Karl NIHOT, Male, VM40-44, 44:58
92. Ciarn NIHOT, Female, JW10, 45:03
93. Paula NIHOT, Female, VW40-44, 45:05
94. Greg SHAW, Male, VM60-64, 50:35
95. Samantha SCOTT, Female, JW10, 52:57
96. Cheryl VAN ROOY, Female, VW40-44, 53:10
97. Torin WARD, Male, JM10, 53:53
98. Donna WARD, Female, VW40-44, 54:12
99. Ethan NIHOT, Male, JM10, 54:45
100. Unknown, -, -, –
101. Susie DOUGLAS, Female, VW50-54, 56:17
102. Anthea LAVENDER, Female, VW55-59, 56:22
103. Sarah RUFF, Female, SW25-29, 56:23
104. Marc RUFF, Male, VM35-39, 56:24
105. John HARRISON, Male, VM70-74, 56:24
106. Mavis June HARRISON, Female, VW60-64, 59:23
107. Judy SUCHTING, Female, VW50-54, 59:24
108. Nicole ALCHIN, Female, VW35-39, 59:25