With 2026 now under way, it's time to remind Jindabyne Parkrun participants of a few key rules around parkrun, not because organisers are trying to take away the enjoyment, but so that Jindabyne parkrun can continue for many years to come and so that everyone can stay safe and have fun.

Organisers request participants take the time to familiarise themselves with the rules of this popular event that runs every Saturday along the Jindabyne Lake foreshore, whether you have done one or 100 parkruns, organisers are urging compliance.

"While we're a fairly small parkrun by comparison to many, Jindabyne is not immune to the issues the larger events have, particularly during holiday periods when our numbers jump up," organisers said.

"We're super lucky and grateful that we have very few problems and for almost all of the time, everyone is very friendly and follows the rules, but one issue has begun to rear its head.

"Specifically, we, like many events, are targeting shared use of the public path where our parkrun takes place. As the RD states in the briefing each week, the path is shared with the public, and as we have a lot of two-way traffic on this path, there are parts where it can become congested."

It is important to note that if a non-participant gets caught up in one of these spots, it's imperative that all involved do their part to keep everyone safe.

"While we can't control what a member of the public does, we can do our best on our end," organisers said.

"So, what are we getting at? Basically, we're asking our participants to continue to follow the standard parkrun rules, and the common-sense rules around running, jogging or walking on a shared path."

Jindabyne Parkrun rules include first and foremost, show your volunteers respect and remain quiet during the pre-event briefing, whether you've been to the event before or not.

"We are a heavy tourist event, and we need everyone to hear the briefing in full, because this is where we will deliver any safety info or course info that might impact on the run," Organisers said.

"Where you can, it's great to seed yourself appropriately at the start line in order to let the speedy runners take off, which means everyone can spread out a bit easier on the path.

"Once you're on the path, keep left and where required, single file, if you find yourself in a group of runners and a member of the public is on the path and won't move, please go off-path to get past them if possible, and if it's not possible, please just slow down and excuse yourself to maintain safety of you and them."

If participants wish to bring their dog, it must be on a short, handheld lead.

"We don't just say this for fun, dogs and their leads are serious trip hazards," organisers said.

"If needed, shout 'bike' for runners up ahead who may be unaware there's bikes coming up behind them on the path.

"If you come across any issues, have an incident or witness anything that may be a hazard at our event, please just alert the run director with as much info as possible. They will report the incident to parkrun which is important for future risk assessments and procedures to keep everyone safe. No issue is too small."

In the end, parkrun is for everyone, and the number one priority is safety.

"PBs are great, keeping pace is wonderful, enjoying an uninterrupted run is terrific, but parkrun is about community, encouragement and accessibility so we hope you'll join us in doing our part to keep the event running safely for us and the public for many years to come," organisers said.