5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO.
5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO.
Podcast Description
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5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO is a heartfelt and inspiring podcast that dives into the stories behind the barcodes of parkrun enthusiasts. Hosted by BILLO, each episode features everyday runners, walkers, and volunteers who share their unique journeys, motivations, and experiences with parkrun. Whether you’re a dedicated local, a passionate tourist, or just love to volunteer, this podcast celebrates the people who make parkrun special—one yarn at a time.
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Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast emphasizes themes of community, personal transformation, and the joy of running, featuring episodes discussing volunteerism, parkrun tourism, and mental health benefits. Examples include discussions on the importance of junior parkruns, tagging along with guests who have racked up extensive parkrun experiences, and sharing emotional stories about connecting with others through running.
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5K Yarns Podcast with BILLO is a heartfelt and inspiring podcast that dives into the stories behind the barcodes of parkrun enthusiasts. Hosted by BILLO, each episode features everyday runners, walkers, and volunteers who share their unique journeys, motivations, and experiences with parkrun. Whether you’re a dedicated local, a passionate tourist, or just love to volunteer, this podcast celebrates the people who make parkrun special—one yarn at a time.
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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: [email protected] to be a future guest.
If you enjoyed the show, rate & review — it helps other barcodes find us!
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.