Ongoing community: Graz celebrates the Park Run in colorful autumn

Ongoing community: Graz celebrates the Park Run in colorful autumn

A fresh Saturday morning in Graz moves many running enthusiasts into the traffic garden, where the park has established itself. Every weekend at 9 a.m., participants meet to enjoy the fresh air and walk or walk five kilometers together. This event has conquered a permanent place in the city and not only attracts locals, but also international guests. The core team from ten volunteers ensures that everything runs smoothly. Olly Cooley, co -organizer, describes the event: "Everyone is welcome here, regardless of whether quick runners or a cozy walk."

The Park Run in Graz was launched a year ago and quickly lined up behind the established events in Vienna, Linz and Salzburg. Richard Zeiner, an experienced Marshal, always leads the participants safely over the route, which is designed in the form of a duck. At this point, "The Beak" is his favorite place - a joke that loosens up the atmosphere.

a colorful mix of cultures

Before the run begins, Sarah Knights gives a brief introduction to the rules of the event. Your dog cookie ensures additional good mood and has already met many of the participants. The diversity of the participants is impressive - people from Germany, India, Nepal and the Czech Republic run together, which makes the Park Run an international experience. "It is important that everyone understands what happens," explains Knights and speaks a mix of German and English at the same time.

In addition to the regular guests, there are also some newcomers who want to join the run. One of the many hobby runners, Peter Dsouza, from India, is becoming more and more familiar. "I love running here in Graz because it is so much calmer than in my home country," he says. This is particularly pleasant for everyone who is preparing for the upcoming Graz Marathon in October. The half marathon stands in the starting blocks for Dsouza, and its goal is to preserve its rhythm.

The atmosphere is loose, some participants also use the run as preparation for the upcoming marathon races, while others simply want to enjoy movement in nature. It is not always just about the time, but also about the sense of community and cohesion among the runners.

reward after the run

The efforts of the runners are rewarded with homemade brownies and other treats, which are provided by members of the “Runnin 'Graz” running club. Dominik Osterland, an experienced marathon runner, accelerates training through regular running. "We not only have a run, but also a cheering zone at the marathon, where we cheer on the runners," he says.

The social aspect is another important point, because many participants sit down in the Café Turner on Karmeliterplatz after the run. "After the run there is many coffee or cocoa," says one of the participants and refers to the relaxed atmosphere that prevails here. This tradition not only makes the Park Run a sporting activity, but also a social gathering where friendships are cultivated.

If the pulse is increased a bit after training, the participants all feel comfortable and are motivated to come back the next time. Sport in Graz connects people and promotes an active and healthy lifestyle.