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Ballarat Parkrun will be launched in Victoria Park on Saturday.
The volunteer-led, five-kilometre program began in England more than a decade ago.
It has developed into a worldwide phenomenon, with runners taking on the clock on a weekly basis in countries such as the United States, South Africa, New Zealand and throughout Europe.
Parkrun began in Australia in 2011, with the Gold Coast the first location.
Sports Central project co-ordinator Bob Campbell-Burns, one of the driving forces behind getting parkrun up and running in Ballarat, said the concept was simple.
He said competitors would turn up each weekend to run five kilometres.
“There’s no cost. It’s as much a social event as a race,” he said.
The focus is on recreational running and increasing participation.
Saturday’s opening event will start near the playground off Sturt Street at 8am.
Participants can register at www.parkrun .com.au/ballarat.