🎙️ 5K Yarns at parkrun meets Road to parkrun with BILLO

In this episode, Billo and Lila head more than 300 kilometres west across Northern Victoria to visit one of Australia’s most unique parkrun destinations — Pyramid Hill Golf Trail parkrun.

What started as a simple parkrun tourism adventure quickly became a reminder of what makes country communities so special.

From the moment we arrived in Pyramid Hill, we experienced genuine country hospitality, stayed at the historic Victoria Hotel (complete with what might be the loudest staircase in Australia!), enjoyed breakfast at the beautifully restored Coffee Bank, and discovered a parkrun that punches well above its weight in character and community spirit.

We chat about:

With only a small number of weekly participants, Pyramid Hill Golf Trail parkrun proves that great parkrun experiences aren’t measured by attendance numbers. They’re measured by the people you meet, the stories you hear, and the memories you create along the way.

Whether you’re a dedicated parkrun tourist, a weekend adventurer, or simply someone who enjoys discovering hidden gems around Australia, this is an episode you’ll enjoy.

Because every barcode has a story.

The barcode is just the beginning of the story.

#5KYarnsAtParkrun #RoadToParkrunWithBILLO #ParkrunTourism #PyramidHillGolfTrailParkrun #EveryBarcodeHasAStory

DISCLAIMER:

“5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO is an independently produced podcast and video series. Unless otherwise stated, all views, opinions, commentary, observations and experiences expressed are those of the host and participating guests. They should not be interpreted as official statements, policies or positions of parkrun Australia, parkrun Global or any individual parkrun event or volunteer team. References to parkrun events, volunteers, participants and locations are made in good faith for the purpose of storytelling, education, community engagement and entertainment.”

Red Hill Rail Trail parkrun | Mornington Peninsula, Victoria | 5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO – Episode 15

This week on 5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO, we journey to one of Victoria’s most scenic rail trail events – Red Hill Rail Trail parkrun on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.

Join BILLO as he explores a course rich in history, surrounded by towering trees, peaceful bushland and the legacy of the former Red Hill railway line. This isn’t just another parkrun; it’s a chance to slow down, appreciate the landscape, and discover why this hidden gem has become a favourite among locals and visiting parkrun tourists alike.

In this episode you’ll discover:

Whether you’re a seasoned parkrun tourist, a weekend adventurer or simply love hearing stories from around Australia, this episode celebrates the people, places and experiences that make parkrun so special.

Because every barcode has a story… and this one begins at Red Hill.

🎧 5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO

#5KYarns #parkrun #RedHillRailTrail #MorningtonPeninsula #Victoria #parkrunTourism #RunningPodcast #Parkwalk #TailWalker #EveryBarcodeHasAStory #BILLO

DISCLAIMER:

“5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO is an independently produced podcast and video series. Unless otherwise stated, all views, opinions, commentary, observations and experiences expressed are those of the host and participating guests. They should not be interpreted as official statements, policies or positions of parkrun Australia, parkrun Global or any individual parkrun event or volunteer team. References to parkrun events, volunteers, participants and locations are made in good faith for the purpose of storytelling, education, community engagement and entertainment.”

Episode 12 | Portarlington parkrun | Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria

What begins as a simple trip to Portarlington parkrun quickly becomes one of our biggest adventures yet!

In Episode 12 of 5K Yarns on the Road to parkrun with BILLO, Lila and I travel more than 800 kilometres for an unforgettable weekend on Victoria’s beautiful Bellarine Peninsula.

Together we explore the fascinating history behind the town of Portarlington, discover why it isn’t called Port Arlington, walk one of Victoria’s most scenic parkrun courses, and experience the warm hospitality of the local parkrun community.

The adventure doesn’t stop there. We enjoy breakfast at the famous Portarlington Bakehouse, take the Queenscliff to Sorrento Ferry across Port Phillip Bay, and finish the day at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, where Collingwood and Richmond battle it out in front of a passionate crowd.

This episode is a celebration of what makes parkrun tourism so special. It’s about much more than running or walking five kilometres—it’s about discovering remarkable places, meeting wonderful people, supporting local communities, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

In this episode:

• The history of Portarlington and Sir Henry Bennet, 1st Earl of Arlington.

Thank you for listening to 5K Yarns on the Road to parkrun with BILLO.

Remember…

The barcode gets you across the finish line… but it’s the people, the places and the stories that make the journey unforgettable.

Until next parkrunday, keep exploring… because every barcode has a story.

DISCLAIMER:

“5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO is an independently produced podcast and video series. Unless otherwise stated, all views, opinions, commentary, observations and experiences expressed are those of the host and participating guests. They should not be interpreted as official statements, policies or positions of parkrun Australia, parkrun Global or any individual parkrun event or volunteer team. References to parkrun events, volunteers, participants and locations are made in good faith for the purpose of storytelling, education, community engagement and entertainment.”

Road to Victory | Victory Road Reserve parkrun | 5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO

This week on 5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO, we’re heading to Victory Road Reserve parkrun in Clarinda, Melbourne’s south-east.

Known as Victoria’s only parkrun beginning with the letter “V”, this event offers much more than just another stop on another parkrun adventure.

What many visitors don’t realise is that Victory Road Reserve was once one of Melbourne’s major landfill sites. Since closing in 2019, it has undergone an extraordinary transformation into more than 30 hectares of community parkland, complete with walking trails, native vegetation, fitness facilities and spectacular views.

In this episode, we uncover the remarkable story behind the reserve, including the fascinating network of methane gas extraction wells hidden beneath the landscape. Discover how these engineering systems continue to safely capture landfill gas and help generate renewable electricity while hundreds of parkrunners, walkers and volunteers enjoy the reserve every Saturday morning.

We’ll also explore the unique two-loop course, share the event statistics, recognise the incredible volunteer team—including first-time volunteer Nan—and finish the morning with a visit to the popular Fred & Peg’s Café.

This episode is a reminder that sometimes the greatest stories aren’t found in the most obvious places.

Sometimes the Road to Victory isn’t about crossing the finish line first.

Sometimes it’s about transformation, resilience and giving a place—and perhaps even ourselves—a second chance.

Thank you for joining me on another adventure.

5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO — Where every barcode has a story.

🎥 YouTube: https://youtu.be/5Esh4yFtrVc?

🏃 Official Victory Road Reserve parkrun:

📘 Victory Road Reserve parkrun Facebook:

Disclaimer:

“5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO is an independently produced podcast and video series. Unless otherwise stated, all views, opinions, commentary, observations and experiences expressed are those of the host and participating guests. They should not be interpreted as official statements, policies or positions of parkrun Australia, parkrun Global or any individual parkrun event or volunteer team. References to parkrun events, volunteers, participants and locations are made in good faith for the purpose of storytelling, education, community engagement and entertainment.”

🐎 Episode 15 | The Phar Lap Track parkrun – Braeside, Victoria

The parkrun destination that stops a nation.

What do Australia’s greatest racehorse and a Saturday morning parkrun have in common?

More than you might think.

In this episode of 5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO, we journey to The Phar Lap Track parkrun at Braeside Park, Victoria—an event unlike any other.

After a 4:00am departure and a 355-kilometre drive from Wodonga, BILLO discovers a parkrun where history, community and storytelling come together. Once the training grounds of Australia’s legendary Phar Lap, this peaceful bushland setting now welcomes runners, walkers and volunteers from all walks of life every Saturday morning.

Along the way you’ll discover:

Whether you’re a passionate parkrun tourist, a history enthusiast or simply love discovering inspiring places and people, this episode is a reminder that every parkrun has its own unique story waiting to be told.

Because behind every finish token…

There’s a story worth telling.

🎙️ 5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO

“Every barcode has a story.”

Disclaimer:

“5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO is an independently produced podcast and video series. Unless otherwise stated, all views, opinions, commentary, observations and experiences expressed are those of the host and participating guests. They should not be interpreted as official statements, policies or positions of parkrun Australia, parkrun Global or any individual parkrun event or volunteer team. References to parkrun events, volunteers, participants and locations are made in good faith for the purpose of storytelling, education, community engagement and entertainment.”

5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO

Phillip Island, Victoria – On the Wild Side of parkrun

Featuring Phillip Island parkrun | Event 506

In this episode of 5K Yarns on the Road to parkrunday with BILLO, Lila and I head south from Wodonga in the I❤️PKRUN Prado to celebrate the 11th Birthday of Phillip Island parkrun.

Nestled on the picturesque and historic Churchill Island, this destination offers far more than just another Saturday morning parkrun. Join us as we experience one of Victoria’s most scenic parkrun courses, surrounded by breathtaking coastal views, rolling hills and an incredibly welcoming volunteer community.

As the official photographer for the event, I also capture the celebrations from a unique perspective while sharing the stories that make this parkrun community so special.

But the adventure doesn’t end at the finish line…

We spend the weekend exploring everything Phillip Island has to offer, including:

This episode is about much more than a parkrun.

It’s about discovering local history, meeting passionate volunteers, exploring remarkable destinations and proving once again that every barcode really does have a story.

Whether you’re a seasoned parkrun tourist, planning your first visit to Phillip Island, or simply love discovering new places around Australia, this episode is for you.

The parkrun is always the reason we travel… but it’s everything else we discover along the way that makes the journey unforgettable.

🎙️ Hosted by Matthew “BILLO” Billington

Every barcode has a story. 🏃‍♂️🌊🐧🚙

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:

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: [email protected] to be a future guest.

 If you enjoyed the show, rate & review — it helps other barcodes find us!