RUN THE PARKS Challenge
About
What is the RUN THE PARKS Challenge?
The RUN THE PARKS Challenge is our mission, a BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOAL to run in EVERY National Park in Victoria, Australia and the World.
Mad? Just a little bit!
"Don’t be afraid to take on big challenges. They offer the best rewards.” Spencer ChristensenHow did the RUN THE PARKS Challenge come about?
Since settling in Victoria in 2004 we have visited many of the Parks within the State. To walk, hike, run, mountain bike, canoodle (canoe) and camp. Being able to enjoy the wonderful outdoors definitely had a huge impact on us falling in love with this wonderful country of Australia. Interestingly, we still have the Parks Victoria National Parks book from 2005 that we picked up to guide our travels soon after we arrived!
And it was during one of these trips whilst chatting by a roaring campfire that the RUN THE PARKS Challenge was born.
It was an idyllic moment in time. The only sounds to be heard were the crackle of the flames and chatter of the local wildlife. And the darkened skies were sprinkled with a billion stars. We were fantasising about preserving the moment. Not having to leave and return to the ‘real’ world. Being able to continue to explore this wonderful world so very close to us.
NATIONAL PARKS PROJECT
And so came the idea to get out and about much more often. And a the vague notion to visit every National Park in Victoria, dubbed at the time the National Parks Project. But it didn’t stop there. As often happens when you are relaxing with a good bottle of red, the conversation continued and the plan grew bigger.
Why not run the Parks? Just National Parks? Only Victoria? What about Australia? The World?
And so the National Parks Project morphed into the RUN THE PARKS Challenge.
A mission to run in EVERY National Park in Victoria, Australia and the World.
And if we can fit in a hike and other activities during our visits we will. And if we can visit other Parks on our travels we will do that also.
With Victoria alone having 45 National Parks covering over 28,000km2. A massive 11.32% of the state. This is no small goal. It is one BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOAL.
How will you know how we are going?
As the RUN THE PARKS Challenge was born from a fireside conversation, whenever we hit the trails we will have a ‘fireside chat’ to discuss and review our experience.
Join our flock to make sure you get all the latest updates
How can you get involved with the RUN THE PARKS challenge?
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest, and track our progress via the website.
Message us and tell us about the best trails in your local Parks.
If you see us out on the trails stop and say G’day.
And better still come and join us on a run or for a drink by the campfire - our shout!
The Quest for the Holy Grail
“One, two, five…...Run away” King Arthur - Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Every trail runner is in search of the holy grail; that perfect trail.
And we are no different. To us a great trail is all about the scenery, variety, reward, solitude, challenge. And the non negotiable awesome post trail coffee.
These are the attributes that form our Seagulls Scoring System that will be used to review the trails we explore.
And in homage to how RUN THE PARKS was born, we will have a ‘fireside chat’ whenever we review the trails.
It is however important to remember that trails constantly change. The time of day, weather, environment, seasons as well as animals and humans, all have an influence and effects on a trail. As such any scoring is only reflective of that specific moment in time.
SEAGULLS SCORING SYSTEM
Scenery
The beauty and uniqueness of the trails, either in the small more hidden details of the flora, fauna and fungi or the spectacular breathtaking views. Remembering that different seasons can have an impact on the beauty of the area and so the scoring may change dependent on the time of the visit.
Variety
Diversity of the environment and seeing something new as you progress along the trails adds to the enjoyment. Changes in the scenery for example transitioning from forest trails to open vistas, crossing streams, past fields of fungi, flora and fauna.
Reward
It`s all about the journey, not the destination. But when you have worked hard, the effort seems much more worth it when you are rewarded with something wonderful. The sighting of a rare bird or wildlife, a spectacular summit view, an awesome waterfall or a cooling refreshing river.
Solitude
Peace and solitude on the trails is sometimes hard to find as word quickly spreads about great trails. So when we find and share the holy grail of trails you mustn’t tell anyone else!! It is possible to find solitude on the trails you just have to work a little harder and smarter. Ask the locals, get up earlier or go in the evening/night, go midweek, go further; further on the trails and further away from ‘civilisation’.
Challenge
Your body will tell you when a trail has been challenging. Aching feet, legs and glutes (or butt cheeks as Justine refer to them) are a sure sign they have been working hard. Some trails are more challenging than others. Some requiring a rock scramble, river crossing or a grinding long climb but that just adds to the fun and the tales to tell after.
Awesome Post Trail Coffee
An awesome coffee is a non negotiable post trail reward. And if that’s within walking distance of the end of the trail the better. But if it means a short drive in search of coffee awesomeness then I would much rather do that than suffer mediocre. But the further out of the way the drive the lower the rating.
For updates and info about our RUN THE PARKS Challenge
Seagulls on the Run acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, live and play. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
