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!

🎙️ 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 #parkrun #parkruntourist #parkrunaustralia #RunningCommunity #MentalHealthMatters #TheLongestRun #BILLO

🎙️ 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 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 | 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

🎙️ 5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO - Episode 4: Featuring Pippa White | parkrun Tourist & Volunteer Superstar 🌍

Welcome to another episode of the 5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO — where the finish line is just the beginning of the story!

This week, we sit down with the truly remarkable Pippa White (A1197634), one of parkrun’s most passionate global ambassadors. 🌟 With 410 parkruns, 267 locations visited, and an incredible 536 volunteer roles completed across 170 venues, Pippa’s journey is the perfect blend of adventure, commitment, and community spirit.

We dive deep into:

How Pippa got started with parkrun back in 2014 🇬🇧

Her passion for parkrun tourism across the UK, Europe — and dreams of visiting Australia 🇦🇺

Balancing running, streaking (daily movement since 2019!), and incredible volunteering milestones 💬

Mental health benefits of getting involved in parkrun 🧠

Favourite events, travel stories, proud moments, and thoughts on what parkrun could improve 🏃‍♀️

The spirit of welcoming newcomers and the magic behind the parkrun community ❤️

From her personal bests to unforgettable adventures, Pippa shares inspiring insights about why parkrun is much more than just a 5K — it's a way of life.

🎧 Tune in, lace up, and let’s go for a run together!

📢 Don't forget to Like 👍, Subscribe 🔔, and Share 📢 to keep up with future episodes and inspiring yarns from parkrun enthusiasts around the world.

#5KYarnsPodcast #parkrun #parkruntourism #parkruncommunity #runningpodcast #volunteering #mentalhealth #PippaWhite #parkrunstories #globalparkrun #5kfun

Podcast Recorded: 12 May 2025.

Podcast Published: 14 May 2025.

5K Yarns Podcast - EP.3 Guest: Tyson FLYNN

Tyson's parkrun journey is epic - 175 runs at 127 locations, 199 volunteer credits at 115 locations.  With a PB of 18:17 and 113% volunteer ratio, he lives the parkrun spirit. A must listen to for fans of parkrun.

Email: [email protected]

YouTube: Road to parkrun with BILLO.

Damien “Damo” Brown (A1538796) has an inspiring story of overcoming a serious back injury that nearly ended his running. Since starting parkrun on 21 Mar 2015, he’s completed 145 events at 8 locations (one in the UK), volunteered 104 times, and attended 235 parkruns. His PB is 22:44 (Murray Bridge, 14 Jul 2018) with an average time of 30:07. He’s also a New York Marathon finisher. We're thrilled to have him share his journey on our podcast.