A Fond Farewell At Cardwell Parkrun

The Cardwell parkrun family started the New Year with a whole lot of heart, as 19 walkers and runners took to the foreshore for the first parkrun of the year.

Among the celebrations was a special milestone, with Lyndel clocking up an incredible 400 parkruns. A huge achievement and one that reflects years of dedication, early mornings and encouragement for others along the way.

It was an emotional morning too, as the community farewelled Lyndel and Ward, who are moving on after years as much-loved members of the Cardwell parkrun family. Fellow participants marked the occasion with a card and handwritten messages drawn along the pathway of the course, turning the foreshore into a living farewell.

In a message shared with the pair, the Cardwell parkrun family thanked them “for everything you have done for us over the years since you came to Cardwell”, praising their dedication to the small “but mighty” parkrun community, before ending with the reminder that this was “not a goodbye, it’s a see you again soon”.

Their contribution has gone far beyond kilometres logged. From volunteering to friendship and support week after week, Lyndel and Ward have helped shape the welcoming spirit that defines Cardwell parkrun.

As one chapter closes and another begins, Cardwell parkrun once again showed that it is about far more than a run. It is about fostering a healthy community, kindness and showing up for one another, right to the very last finish line