Ep. 9 Featuring Guest Paul "VIKING" WHELAN

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: 5kyarns.podcast@gmail.com to be a future guest.

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