Eager runners will take to the Canberra Outlet for one of the city’s most unique fun run experiences. Photo: DK Society.
Navigating a large shopping centre can sometimes feel like running a marathon, so it would make sense if the Canberra Outlet became the location for a fun run, right?
The concept, dreamed up by Karla Parisotto, the organiser of running group DK Society, will soon become a reality, with the popular shopping centre set to host a 5 km fun run next weekend.
The Canberra Outlet fun run will consist of five runs beginning at 7:30 am on Saturday 26 September.
Each of the runs will be held for different skill levels, including elite-level runners (under 20 minutes), sub-25-minute runners, sub-30-minute runners, a social run and a 1 km junior dash for kids between five and 12.
Ms Parisotto said the idea for the fun run came to her one morning a few months ago, while she was chatting with her partner.
Determined to see if the event was possible, she reached out to the shopping centre, which immediately jumped on board.
“I was trying to think of a cool running experience that Canberra had never experienced before,” she said.
“I was thinking, why not the Canberra Outlet? I’m always shopping there, so why not see if it’s possible to run there?
“I contacted the centre and spoke to the marketing manager, Cassandra, who thought it was a great idea and has supported the event all the way through.
“They agreed to move the couches and decorations along the route we will be running, and they have collaborated with us every step of the way.”
DK Society hosts regular runs around Canberra. Photo: DK Society.
The mapped route will be 500 metres and each runner will complete 10 laps of the centre.
Ms Parisotto said the idea of running past store windows such as Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein was unique and she hoped it would create long-lasting memories.
“When mapping the route, we really had those stores in mind. We call it the premium wall,” she said.
“We’re also going to have a Red Bull stall as well as recovery stalls for runners. We’ve tried to have as many activations as possible for participants to really enjoy.
“We’re really trying to ensure that experienced runners are able to push for PBs and really go for it, while others who are looking for a fun time can also have a great experience too.”
With the fun run just around the corner, Ms Parisotto said she would love to see runners of all skill levels participate.
“The whole idea first was to make it a family event,” she said.
“There’s no pressure in having to run it. We just want people to have fun, try something different, meet people, and just enjoy themselves.
“It really is about creating a new, fun, unique event for Canberra. We’re just so thankful for the Canberra Outlet for collaborating with us and agreeing to host it.”
The Canberra Outlet fun run begins at 7:30 am on Saturday 26 September.
Registrations for the fun run events will soon be available via DK Society’s Instagram.