5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO.

Ep. 9 Featuring Guest Paul "VIKING" WHELAN

Since first toeing the start line in 2016, Paul “Viking” Whelan has become one of Australia’s most recognisable parkrunners. Horned helmet? Check. Big smile? Always. Bigger heart? 100% Viking has chalked up 245 parkruns across 108 venues, volunteered 132 times in 17 roles, and still finds time to help first-timers scan their very first barcodes. In this feel-good chat, BILLO and Viking discuss: * How a Canberra Raiders costume turned into a personal parkrun brand. * Tail-walking, barcode-scanning, and the joy of giving back (53 % volunteer ratio!). * Favourite memories, including a milestone 100th-different event in Queenstown, NZ. * The “milestone gap” (250 ➡ 500) and why junior parkruns are needed in NSW. * Dream tourism plans from Singapore to the birthplace at Bushy Park, UK. * A heart-warming story of signing up a 70-year-old mid-vent. Whether you’re a seasoned tourist or considering your first 5K, Viking’s energy will have you lacing up before the outro rolls. QUICK STATS • 245 runs │ PB 34:16 │ Wilson Index 34 • 132 volunteer credits │ 76 venues │ 17 roles • Longest tourist streak 30 │ Avg. finish #139 TIMESTAMPS 00:00  Welcome & stat rundown 04:24  Birth of the helmet tradition 10:40  Favourite volunteer roles 14:32  Milestones & junior parkrun chat 20:34  Queenstown milestone memory 24:26  Dream destinations 30:13  Volunteer-shortage discussion 43:55  What parkrun adds to life 55:22  Rapid-fire wrap-up CALL TO ACTIONS  Got a parkrun tale of your own? Email: 5kyarns.podcast@gmail.com to be a future guest.  If you enjoyed the show, rate & review — it helps other barcodes find us!

5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO | Ep8 Featuring guest Jay GRIMLEY

🎙️ 5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO | Featuring Jay Grimley – From Non-Runner to Marathon Dreamer 🏃‍♀️🌏 Welcome to another inspiring episode of 5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO, where every barcode has a story! This week, we’re joined in person by passionate parkrun tourist and all-round legend Jay Grimley. Since first stepping onto the parkrun trail in September 2023, Jay has racked up an incredible 72 parkruns across 63 different locations, including a PB of 29min 31sec at Huskisson and a stunning streak of 36 different events in a row! Jay isn’t just chasing PBs—she’s also chasing community. With 7 volunteer credits across multiple roles and a goal to hit her V25 milestone, Jay brings heart, humour, and honesty to the world of parkrun. In this episode, we chat about: ✅ Her love for variety and the longest run challenge ✅ Building friendships through parkrun tourism ✅ Running half marathons (with parkrun as her only training!) ✅ Her evolving goals, including the Sydney Marathon ✅ How parkrun supports her mental health and gives her purpose ✅ What motivates her to keep showing up each Saturday Plus, we reflect on favourite courses, parkrun quirks (hello, dog dodging!), community magic, and the power of a simple “well done” from a stranger. 📍This episode was recorded side-by-side while Jay visited Yackandandah Rail Trail parkrun and prepared to take on The Longest Run – NE Victoria/High Country edition! 💬 Whether you’re a seasoned parkrunner or a curious first-timer, Jay’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to be a runner to belong—you just have to show up. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support everyday parkrun heroes like Jay. 🎧 Listen now and be inspired—one kilometre, one yarn at a time. #5KYarnsPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/5kyarnspodcast] #parkrun [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/parkrun] #parkruntourist [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/parkruntourist] #parkrunaustralia [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/parkrunaustralia] #RunningCommunity [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/runningcommunity] #MentalHealthMatters [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mentalhealthmatters] #TheLongestRun [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/thelongestrun] #BILLO [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/billo]

5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO | Ep7 Featuring guests Ros LOWE & Cherie MARTIN

🎙️ 5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO – Mother-Daughter Edition: Ros Lowe & Cherie Martin In this special episode of 5K Yarns, we bring you a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with a dynamic mother-daughter duo: Ros Lowe from South Australia and Cherie Martin from Queensland. With a combined total of 751 parkruns and over 400 volunteer credits, Ros and Cherie share a passion for parkrun that transcends distance and generations. Ros, a parkrun veteran since 2012 with more than 550 events and 339 volunteer credits, reflects on her journey from a late start in running to helping establish Mount Barker parkrun. Cherie, who joined the movement in 2019, has since completed over 200 parkruns at 112 locations, and continues to inspire with her trail running, volunteer roles, and powerful personal transformation story. Together we dive into: 🏃 Their favourite memories, milestones, and proudest parkrun achievements 🐾 Hot takes on dog safety, accessibility, and inclusivity in parkrun 🌍 Dream locations, parkrun tourism adventures, and the global community 🧠 The mental health benefits and the importance of belonging ❤️ How parkrun connects them as family and with others This episode is a celebration of community, commitment, and connection — proving that parkrun is more than just a weekly 5K. Whether you’re chasing a PB, volunteering, or just enjoying the coffee after, there’s a yarn worth telling behind every barcode. 👉 Tune in now and be inspired by Ros & Cherie’s powerful journey. #5KYarns #parkrun #parkrunAustralia #parkruncommunity #runningpodcast #RosLowe #CherieMartin #motherdaughter #volunteering #parkruntourism #inspiration #communityconnection #parkrunsouthaustralia #parkrunqueensland

5K Yarns Podcas with BILLO | Ep6 Featuring guest Andy AIREY.

🎙️ 5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO | Every Barcode Tells a Story Welcome back to the 5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO — where the finish line is just the beginning. Every Saturday, people around the world gather at parkrun: to run, walk, cheer, or simply connect. Behind every barcode is a story — and this podcast brings those stories to life. In this episode, we sit down with one of parkrun’s most decorated global adventurers: Andy Airey, athlete ID A1083171. With a staggering 434 parkruns across 367 locations in 30 countries, Andy’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. 🌍🏃‍♂️ Whether you're chasing PBs, community, or just the post-run coffee — this one’s for you. Lace up, tune in, and join us for another inspiring yarn. 👉 Subscribe, like, and share — because every barcode has a story worth telling. #5KYarns #parkrun #RunningPodcast #parkrunTourist #AndyAirey #BILLO #BehindEveryBarcode

5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO | Ep5 Featuring Guests Geoff & Janet REID

🎙 5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO | Episode: Geoff & Janet REID – The Mothership, Milestones & Meaning 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 770+ parkruns | 387+ volunteers | Lifelong memories 🌏 In this heartfelt episode of 5K Yarns, BILLO sits down with parkrun legends Geoff and Janet REID, boasting over 770 parkruns, hundreds of volunteer credits, and a deep love for community. Janet, Co-Event Director of Lochiel parkrun (aka “The Mothership”) and Regional Ambassador for South Australia, shares how parkrun helped her and Geoff settle into a new country, build lifelong friendships, and fuel a shared passion. From rainy Singapore mornings to founding parkrun events, hear about: ✔️ The role of parkrun in building community ✔️ The power of volunteering and the park walker role ✔️ Favourite parkrun memories and dream destinations ✔️ The magic of Lochiel and its 10th birthday celebrations ✔️ Why the first-timers’ welcome matters—and why talking during the run briefing doesn’t. This is more than just a run—it's a movement, a ritual, and a way of life. Whether you're a veteran volunteer or brand-new to parkrun, there’s a yarn here for you. 🎧 Lace up, press play, and join the yarn. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread the parkrun love. 📍 Featured Guests: 🧍 Jeff Reid – A636590 | 405+ parkruns 🧍 Janet Reid – 615803 | 11 years volunteering & leading. Recorded: 19/05/2025. Published: 21/05/2025. #5KYarns #parkrun #Lochielparkrun #parkrunAustralia #RunningCommunity #VolunteersMatter #parkrunPodcast #parkrunFamily #BILLO