Almost 100 people made the earlier summer start of 8am for Wānaka’s 250th Parkrun event on Saturday (October 21), including a groom on his wedding day and visitors from the other side of the world.

The 5km run/walk (from Wānaka Station park to Waterfall Creek and return) is a weekly event, part of an international collection of five kilometre events for walkers, runners and volunteers that take place every Saturday morning at more than 2,000 locations in 22 countries across six continents. 

Wānaka Parkrun organiser Katy McPherson told the Wānaka App the event played a role in increasing community connection, and the atmosphere on Saturday was friendly and welcoming.

Not only was there cake and (non alcoholic) bubbly to celebrate the 250th event, there were also iPads set up for those who wanted to watch the All Blacks beat Argentina following their run or walk.

The starting line up. PHOTO: Supplied

There were 95 finishers, with Vegan Runners member Ben Grant crossing the finish line in 18 minutes and 52 seconds, while Wānaka’s Helen Wells stayed at the back to ensure no one was left behind - while marking her 50th parkrun event.   

Eleven volunteers helped make the “great community event” happen, Katy said.

“Thank you to the regulars, the tourists and  the first time locals who all made Saturday's 250th celebration such a great success. Here's to the next 250,” she said.

Parkrun takes place every Saturday at 8am during daylight savings time (summer) and 9am during standard time (winter), starting from Wānaka Station Park.