By ALANA MITCHELSON
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy who is determined the beat his record time will compete in his 50th community-led ParkRun event this Saturday.
Hudson Alonso’s run around Berwick Springs lake averages 33 minutes and two seconds and his best time is five kilometres in 28 minutes and 35 seconds.
Hudson is one of about 200 to 300 residents who compete in a volunteer run free weekly five-kilometre timed community run at Berwick Springs estate.
“I am extremely proud of him. We think this is an amazing achievement,” Hudson’s mother Rachael Alonso said.
“In a world of technology and increasing rates of childhood obesity where kids are glued to their devices, I think this free event is a wonderful community event that everyone can attend.
“You can walk or run and even bring your dog or pram. It is not only a great way to keep fit but meet new likeminded people in our community and also lend a hand at volunteering from time to time which the kids seem to enjoy as much as the run.”
ParkRun first began in Bushy Park in London in 2004 with 13 runners.
Ms Alonso said there are now hundreds of ParkRun events were held across the world each week, with 176 events in Australia alone. These include ParkRuns in neighbouring towns Pakenham and Endeavour Hills.
The Alonso family – Rachael, husband John and children Hudson and Hollye – began running the Berwick Springs ParkRun in April last year and have become regular competitors ever since.
“Hudson has been doing the run every Saturday morning for 15 months.
“He’s also been a volunteer token sorter for the ParkRun in April this year, teaching him all about the importance of volunteering with the community.”
The Berwick Springs ParkRun is held at 8am every Saturday at the Berwick Springs lake.
For more information, visit www.parkrun.com.au.
