Ballarat parkrun is set to host its third annual Christmas Day event - same time, same place (8am in Vic Park) as the weekly Saturday runs.

In what might seem like prime present-time, Ballarat parkrun event director Kylie Mayne said people turned up for many reasons but the overall vibe was to take some time to have fun with others before the traditional rush and stress.

"We weren't sure how many we were going to get the first year and we had about 80 people. Last year we had about 100," Ms Mayne said.

"We get a lot of families coming - we've been surprised to see so many out walking and running.

"Also, we get some people who are empty-nesters and enjoy the company in the morning. It's a nice way to be a bit active to start the day."

As in parkrun culture, events are also a chance for visitors to a region to run or walk somewhere new with others in a free, organised run.

Parkrun allows for two extra runs, should event managers choose, on top of the weekly Saturday runs. These are Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

This makes for a packed parkrun schedule for Ballarat runners. Ballarat parkrun will host six runs in the next 15 days, starting with this weekend's Saturday run and including a New Year's Day double with the city's newest parkrun, Wallaby Track, in Brown Hill.

New Year's Day is the only chance runners and walkers get to scan their barcode twice in one day. A barcode scan at the finish logs your run each time you parkrun anywhere in Australia.

Wallaby Track, a more undulating run option than Vic Park, completed its second trial run last Sunday.

Ms Mayne said it was exciting to have a complementary parkrun option in Ballarat. She said a second event across town would help build both the parkrun and general running culture in Ballarat.

For those considering making a run for it on Christmas Day, VicHealth chief executive officer Sandro Demaio said while the holidays could be busy, it was important to try and make time to slow down and make small changes. Dr Demaio said this could help set new habits in the new year and reflect how you might want to start 2020.

One of VicHealth's top tips is to keep moving whether it is going for a walk with a friend, using a bike to get around or try a new sport.

VicHealth encourages people to just have a go, to not worry about whether you were good at an activity and be pleased you have made an effort.

Parkrun is for all abilities and children as young as four years old. Every event is five kilometres and there is always a volunteer tail walker, so you never finish last.

The Ballarat event starts near the inclusive play space and toilets along Sturt Street.

For more details to get moving: parkrun.com.au/ballarat/

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