A free, weekly community 5km parkrun at the Sydney International Regatta Centre. All ages and abilities welcome—register online and bring your barcode for a timed run.
Saturday 31 January 2026
to Saturday 30 January 2027
8:00am - 9:00am
Gate A, Old Castlereagh Rd, Castlereagh NSW 2749, Australia
Free
Penrith Lakes parkrun is a friendly, volunteer-led 5km run that brings local families together each Saturday morning. It's designed for walkers, joggers and runners of all abilities, and is a great way to build fitness while enjoying the outdoors with your school-aged children.
Expect a relaxed, community atmosphere where personal enjoyment matters more than pace. Parents will find the event welcoming, practical and sociable—many families gather afterwards for a coffee and catch-up by the water at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.
The event is a 5km course around Penrith Lakes, suitable for pushchairs and eager kids who want to sprint, walk or run alongside you. You'll see a mix of regular parkrunners, newcomers and weekend park-run tourists, creating an encouraging environment for all fitness levels and ages.
Volunteers manage timing, marshals and first aid awareness, so the event feels organised without being formal. Pack sunscreen, comfortable shoes and a printed barcode if you want a timed result; otherwise, turn up and enjoy the fresh air and family-friendly running.
This is a weekly Saturday parkrun starting at 08:00 and typically finishing around 09:00, with the standard 5km distance. It's entirely free, community-run, and relies on volunteers, so expect a warm, grassroots vibe that welcomes children and parents alike.
Registration online is recommended for timed participation — bring a printed barcode to log your time. Results and volunteer opportunities are available through the parkrun network; many families trade turns volunteering and running to keep things running smoothly.
Weather-related cancellations or course changes can happen, so check the Penrith Lakes parkrun Facebook page for last-minute updates. The run is suitable for a range of abilities and is ideal for parents looking for low-cost, active weekend plans with their school-aged children.
The meet point is Gate A at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Old Castlereagh Road, Cranebrook. There's convenient parking nearby and spacious open areas for stretching, stroller parking and post-run coffee catch-ups by the lake.
Public transport options are limited, so most families drive; allow a little extra time on busy weekends. The course is primarily flat and lakeside, offering scenic views and a safe environment for kids to experience running outdoors.
Look for marshals and signage on arrival; they will point families to the start area and brief participants before the run. Accessibility is good for most strollers and for anyone seeking a gentle, flat 5km course near Penrith.
This event is free and community-run, but it relies entirely on volunteers — consider signing up to help occasionally so the parkrun can continue. Children are welcome but should be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
For timed runs, register with the parkrun website and bring a printed barcode. If you forget your barcode, you can still take part but won't get an official time; many parents appreciate the informal option when juggling kids in the mornings.
Course changes and cancellations are posted on the event's Facebook page, so check there before leaving home. If you have any health concerns, consult a GP before attempting a 5km run and take care when pacing younger children.
There is no booking fee — the parkrun is free for everyone, forever. Registration on the parkrun website is free and recommended if you want to record times; the cost is simply your time and enthusiasm.
No advance booking is required for general participation; just turn up on Saturday mornings with comfortable shoes and a printed barcode if you want a timed result. Families often plan a quick coffee meet-up afterwards, making it a low-cost social outing.
If you want to volunteer, sign up via the parkrun volunteer roster online — it's a great way to get involved, meet other parents and keep the event running for the community.
