Key Points
- It was in year 2014 when aircraft mechanic Washington Firmeza started recreational running Park Run and year 2021 he started Pinoy Park Runners followed by Mananakbo Australia
- Over 100 Filipinos are now actively joining the Pinoy Park Runners that started year 2021 in Brisbane
- Perbel Arcenal decided to adapt running as his hobby and part of his fitness regime to reduce the risk of inheriting the family’s health condition
Aircraft mechanic and running enthusiasts Washington Firmeza started recreational running by joining Park Run in 2014 in Brisbane.
As his passion grew, he began advocating for a healthy lifestyle through running and wanted to see more Filipinos engage into a healthy regime. Then he decided to start a group Pinoy Park Runners and Mananakbo Australia in 2021.
I want to see more Pinoy’s coming out every Saturday, doing some fitness, and thinking about their health and well-being.Washington Firmeza, Running enthusiast, organiser ng Pinoy Runners at Mananakbo Australia
One of the Saturday mornings when Filipinos gather in the park for the Pinoy Park Run in Australia. Credit Washington Firmeza
"Park Run has a friendly environment, young and old, pregnant and every size. You can show up with any shoe clothing. You can walk because in Park Run everyone finishes everyone will wait for you even if how long it takes," explains Washington.
As of today, there are over 450 Park Run locations across Australia.
“When you see them improve their health, improve their physique and you know their self-confidence.
It is a proud moment when you see them achieve their goals and progress.Washington Firmeza, Running enthusiast, organiser ng Pinoy Runners at Mananakbo Australia
Top benefits of running:
- Improve cardiovascular system
- Reduce the risk of heart attack
- Improve stress level
- Manage blood pressure within normal range
- reduce the risk of diabetes
- Improves bone density
- Helps maintain a healthy weight and helps weight loss
One of Perbel Arcenal's achievements is joining the Gold Coast Marathon (Half Marathon) last 2-3 July 2022 in Australia. Credit: Perbel Arcenal
Perbel Arcenal during Brisbane Marathon Festival. Credit: Perbel Arcenal
“ Enough is enough. I need to do something for the better, my Dad passed away because of a heart attack. He has diabetes and high blood pressure."
Washington and Perbel are now joining marathons in the country and overseas as well.
