29/09/2026
Event Report #131 - 26 September 2026
A massive thank you to Louise and Philip from Karamu Stream parkrun for this week’s event report.
https://www.parkrun.co.nz/gordoncarmichaelreserve/news/2026/09/29/event-report-131/
There was an ominous looking dark cloud possibly threatening rain as Philip and I left Waihi Beach this morning to drive to our parkrun tourist destination for this Saturday, namely your Gordon Carmichael Reserve parkrun. Luckily we left the cloud behind and the only rain drops we saw were as we left the cafe after parkrun. I call that good timing. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves - although coffee and breakfast is a good judge of a parkrun in our opinion, the parkrun itself is naturally very important. And what a delight Gordon Carmichael Reserve parkrun turns out to be. It is a two lapper essentially, or as the Run Director and First Timer volunteer described it, a lower case “q” done twice. I enjoyed the variety; gravel paths, boardwalk, bush, water views and lots of geese, ducks and pūkeko to enjoy around the course. The 151 participants today were a great mix of younger and older, and especially a wonderful number of children, creating a supportive, family feel. There was a strong contingent of visitors and first timers, 13 in total, with 3 of them absolute parkrun newbies. A very warm welcome Karen, Bibi and Paul to the parkrun community and we hope you return soon. I heard visitors were from Auckland, Rotorua and ourselves from Hawke’s Bay. Apologies if I missed some other locations.
The morning was obviously excellent parkrun conditions because 32 people obtained a Personal Best. That is too many to name but you probably know who you are. Very well done to all. Especially well done to the milestone achievers today - a first time volunteer achiever, Sophia and a 10 volunteer milestone for Anna. Thank you so much for giving of your time to support parkrun. Indeed, as always a huge thanks to all the 18 volunteers who made this parkrun happen today - Pete, Darien, Maria, Lynlie, Anna, Elise, Cameron, Bernie, Kat, Sophia, Bronwyn, Stuart, Sarah, Charlotte, Denise, Steve, Louise and Roslyn. As well, there were 4 participant milestones, 4 celebrating 25 parkruns and one celebrating 50 - Albie, Christopher, Karen and Tricia and Dan respectively. Great job!
Meanwhile, back to the all important post parkrun coffee and breakfast - “Hey Jude” cafe scored lots of brownie points - a sociable and tasty conclusion to our parkrun tourist visit. Thank you and hopefully we will have occasion to visit your beautiful parkrun again. If you find yourselves in Hawke’s Bay, please visit one of the 4 parkruns we can choose from on a Saturday, especially maybe our home parkrun. We can return the hospitality.
Happy parkrunning
Louise and Philip
Karamu Stream parkrun
Event Report #131 – 26 September 2026 Posted on September 29, 2026 by gordoncarmichaelreserve Gordon Carmichael Reserve parkrun - event #131 - 28 September 2026 There was an ominous looking dark cloud possibly threatening rain as Philip and I left Waihi Beach this morning to drive to our parkrun t...
