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.

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