But that's what's at the heart of parkrun and it's a concept that not only functions, but is wildly popular, particularly in Fingal Bay.

"It's the community part that really strikes home for us. The encouragement comes from the full spectrum," said Rick Dyson, an event director of Fingal Bay parkrun alongside wife Tammy.

"We have our fastest runners who are in that crazy 5km in under 20 minutes bracket and they are just as encouraging as anyone else. No one stands above the group and no one finishes last. Parkrun is very supportive."

Beyond encouraging each other to finish the event, which is not a race but a 5km course that participants can walk, jog or sprint and their finish time is recorded, community spirit shines bright in other forms.

Participants are respectful of members of the wider community using the pathways along the Fingal Bay foreshore on Saturday mornings when parkrun is held, organisers make the event inclusive for all ages, from children as young as 3 to seniors aged in their 90s, and abilities and the event attracts a strong contingent of volunteers to help run it.

"We rely heavily on the good will of Fingal Bay residents and work hard to be respectful to them and businesses in the area," Tammy said. "We also have a really great core group of volunteers who make it possible to run the event."

The Dysons became the event directors of Fingal Bay parkrun in April 2018. The pair, who tried and fell in love with parkrun in 2016, had seen a slow but steady growth in numbers to the weekly event.

Pre-COVID, parkrun was attracting an average of 150 people each week. During the 36-week shutdown in 2020 due to COVID, the Dysons ran a virtual parkrun.

"People really missed parkrun," Tammy said. "We had a number of people take part in our virtual parkrun. They did a 5km run and sent in their times. A lot of people said to us that this kept them motivated during the lockdown."

The first parkrun back on the Fingal Bay foreshore was held on December 19.

Parkruns were also held on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, which attracted 88 and 163 participants respectively.

Raymond Terrace parkrun kicked back into action on January 9 after a long hiatus due to the pandemic.

Tammy said parkrun is for anyone: "Parkrun is less intimidating than the gym and there's so many people to encourage you. If you have a fitness goal for 2021, we can help you."

Fingal Bay parkrun is held from 8am on Saturdays starting from the park adjacent to the surf club.

The Terrace parkrun is held in Riverside Park from 8am on Saturdays. Register at parkrun.com.au.