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 | 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