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The East Richmond parkrun, held every Saturday at 8 am, is a free, timed 5 km walk, jog or run that’s open to everyone – from seasoned marathoners to first-timers just looking for a gentle start to their weekend.
“It’s not a race,” says one of the event volunteers with a smile. “It’s about getting moving, meeting people, and starting your Saturday with a sense of achievement.”
The course winds through the scenic Ham Common, offering a mix of paved paths and grassy stretches, with the Hawkesbury’s fresh air and open skies providing the perfect backdrop. Families with prams, dog walkers, social joggers and competitive runners all share the same track – proof that fitness here is as much about community as it is about pace.
The event is powered entirely by volunteers, with locals stepping in each week to marshal the course, time participants, and cheer them on. “We have people who run one week, volunteer the next,” says the run director. “It’s this shared ownership that makes it feel like a true Hawkesbury gathering.”
Participation is simple: just register online, print your barcode, and turn up. There’s no cost, no pressure, and plenty of encouragement along the way.
With parking at Ham Common filling quickly on Saturday mornings, organisers recommend arriving early – or even better, using the time to enjoy the park’s open spaces before the run begins.
For those looking to make healthier habits, meet new friends, or simply start the weekend with a smile, East Richmond parkrun is proving that sometimes the best things in life really are free.
Details:
📍 Ham Common Bicentenary Park, Hawkesbury Valley Way, Richmond NSW
🕗 Every Saturday, 8 am
🌐 Register at parkrun.com.au/eastrichmond and it is FREE
