Generations Project is set to create new weekly Parkrun Australia events in areas with high elderly populations while also pushing to increase its member base of Australians aged 65-plus by 5000 parkrunners in the next two years.

Parkrun Ballarat, which celebrated its 200^th event last month, averages almost 200 participants walking and running each Saturday morning in Victoria Park.

Ballarat co-director Kylie Mayne said the event often had participants aged well into their 70s in action. Ms Mayne said parkrun was all about and having a go in a supportive environment, so there were always plenty of people about happy to offer support.

"We certainly get a reasonable crowd most weeks both running and lots of people walking their dog," Ms Mayne said.

Parkruns are free, timed five-kilometre events at more than 1800 locations worldwide. The focus is on social inclusion, which Parkrun Australia aims to tap into for seniors with government better ageing funding in finding ways for seniors to connect with each other and other community members.

Ms Mayne said there was always room for people to volunteer at events if they did not, or could not, walk or run. Briefings were also given to new participants and volunteers before each event to help ensure everyone felt comfortable on course.

Sport Australia's better ageing grants aim to reduce cardiovascular and metabollic problems, manage weight, prevent falls, improve socialisation and tackle chronic disease among older Australians.

Ballarat Community Health has been promoting its seniors exercise class in the lead-up to the Premier's Active April, a challenge for Victorians of all ages, ability and fitness levels to commit to 30 minutes' exercise each day in April.

BCH seniors class participant Jackie Slade told The Courier the gentler exercise movements, combined with walking, helped her to feel good and energised as she aged.

Numbers have also tripled in YMCA Ballarat's seniors exercise classes at Mars Stadium this year.

Low-cost classes and the social coffee afterwards were big drawcards for seniors attending both organisations.

Meanwhile, Parkrun Australia chief executive officer Tim Oberg has flagged potential for more events in the Central Highlands region.

Mr Oberg said Ballarat hosted a great event but there was room for plans to more parkruns in the wider region. Ararat is the only other event in the Central Highlands while Castlemaine is also nearby.

To join parkrun, register online at parkrun.com.au before your first run for a barcode to take to events nationwide to log runs and receive a time. To volunteer, email: ballarathelpers@parkrun.com.

Parkrun Ballarat starts at the barbecue shelter in Vic Park opposite Loreto College each Saturday at 8am. The looped course features a range of surfaces suitable to all abilities and ages from four-up.

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