At an age when many people are slowing down, 88-year-old Chris Ingram is picking up the pace.

What started as a simple way to stay fit quickly transformed his Saturday mornings.

Five weeks after joining Tauranga Parkrun, Ingram has become a regular at the free weekly 5km event, where hundreds of people of all ages gather at 17th Ave near Kopurererua Valley Reserve to walk, jog or run before sharing coffee and conversation.

“It’s friendly, it’s fun. It’s just for the exercise; it’s not proving anything.”

Ingram said he heard about parkrun - an international charity that hosts free weekly 5km walk, jog and run events - through word of mouth. He has returned every Saturday since.

He has set a personal best of 46 minutes and finished first in his age group.

“It’s such an easy thing to do. It’s at 8am, you’re finished by 9am and then the rest of the day’s free.”

Already an avid cyclist and keen walker, Ingram said he was looking for something regular to help maintain his fitness.

He said it wasn’t long before the exercise became only a small part of the appeal.

Participants gather at a cafe in the Historic Village after each event, and there strangers quickly became familiar faces.

“I just sat down with a table of people, and they said, ‘Who are you?’ and welcomed me in.

“They were telling me they’d done 250 or 300 parkruns and that I’d only need another 45 before earning my first milestone T-shirt.”

Chris Ingram, 88, takes part in the weekly 5km parkrun. Photo / Chris Ingram

Every participant receives a personal barcode at the event, allowing them to track their results online.

“You get this wonderful feedback, but also this real sense of community. It’s quite unique.”

Ingram hoped his story encourages others to keep moving, no matter their age.

“When we were growing up, people over 65 were expected to slow down. The new normal is staying fit into your 70s and 80s.

“I like to be a mentor. The secret to a good life is healthy eating, friendships and regular exercise, and this ticks a few boxes.”

Tauranga parkrun co-event director Jez Rogers said stories like Ingram’s capture exactly what the event is designed to achieve.

The volunteer-run event launched in Tauranga in 2018 and welcomes everyone, regardless of age, fitness level or pace.

It is part of a global movement that began more than 20 years ago in London’s Bushy Park, where injured runner Paul Sinton-Hewitt organised a 5km time trial and only 18 people showed up.

Millions of people have since taken part in parkrun events across more than 20 countries.

The Tauranga event regularly attracts about 200 participants each Saturday, and is one of more than 70 parkruns held across New Zealand.

“The biggest myth about parkrun is that it’s a run,” Rogers said.

“You don’t have to run. We’re just as happy to have people walking.”

He said participants range from young children to people in their 80s, with walkers, runners, parents pushing prams and dog owners all taking part.

“It’s about getting people moving, whatever that looks like.”

Ingram makes his way along the Tauranga parkrun route. Photo / Chris Ingram

About 10 volunteers help each week, marshalling the course, scanning barcodes and ensuring the route is safe before participants set off.

Rogers said the average finishing time had become slower over the years, which organisers saw as a success.

“It shows that more people who ordinarily wouldn’t do that sort of thing are showing up every week to have a go.”

He said the welcoming atmosphere was as important as the exercise itself.

“The one thing that really impresses me is that no one ever gets judged. They’ll get applause as they come across the finish line.

“You should see the smiles on some of their faces.”

He said that sense of belonging was what kept people returning week after week.

“It’s all about the community, showing up and getting out.”

Zoe Blake is a multimedia journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post.