6 minute read

Pegasus Parkrun

If only there was a free weekly event in our district that allowed walkers, joggers, and runners to do a timed 5K event… Well – there is!

Pegasus Parkrun is the only free, timed 5K event in the Waimakariri District and has been running in Pegasus Town every Saturday morning since June 2016! Over 22,000 finishes have happened since then, and it’s getting more popular!

It’s not a race, it’s fun and social! We have approximately 80 parkrunners at Pegasus each week. You don’t have to interact with anyone if you don’t want to – but it’s a great place to meet like-minded people from all walks of life.

So, what is parkrun?

Parkruns are free, non-competitive, social 5K events where you can walk, jog, or run at your own pace. It’s for everyone - no matter your age, background, experience level, fitness level or gender. Parkrun is positive, welcoming, and inclusive, there is no time limit, and no one finishes last. You don’t have to be fit, experienced or fast. Everyone is welcome to come along.

How do I join in?

We’d love for you to try a parkrun event! Parkrun is free and you only need to register once whether walking, jogging, running, volunteering, or a combination. Visit parkrun.co.nz to get a barcode which can be used at any of the 2,000 parkruns in 22 countries across six continents!

We scan your barcode at parkrun and afterwards you will receive an email with your results. It’s very motivating to track your progress over time.

Where is Pegasus parkrun?

Pegasus parkrun starts and finishes at Motu Quay in Pegasus Town by the swing bridge on Lake Pegasus. Parkruns are 5K. The summer course consists of two laps around picturesque Lake Pegasus, the winter alternate course is out and back along the lakeside. Both courses are tar sealed and are adequate for strollers and wheelchairs.

When is it?

Parkrun happens every Saturday, rain, frost, or shine. The first timer welcome is at 7.50am, the run briefing is at 7.55am and the parkrun starts promptly at 8am.

Can I volunteer?

Pegasus parkrun is organised by volunteers for the benefit of everyone. Each week we gather a group of generous volunteers who make the event happen. We have a role for everyone, from marshal to report writer. Check out or website for more information!

Finding out more…

Search for ‘Pegasus parkrun’ on Facebook or Insta to view photos from each event or visit our website at parkrun.co.nz/pegasus to sign up or learn more.

What’s happening in North Canterbury March and April 2023

Please contact us on 0800 226 695 to register or find out more about the activities listed below, or pop into the office at 143 Percival Street, Rangiora.

Therapeutic

Art group

Every Monday 10am-12pm

This weekly group is facilitated by Lynette. Held at Kaiapoi Baptist Church, 67 Fuller Street, Kaiapoi. Park on site. The rooms are located at the end of the drive. All patients and their carers welcome. Catering from absolute beginners to advanced painting skill. Learn new techniques and enjoy the opportunity to hear guest speakers share their skill.

Rangiora Walking and Coffee Group

Every Tuesday 9.30am

This group is facilitated by Glenda and Chris, and is open to all patients and carers. Meet outside The Warehouse at 9.30am for a walk around Northbrook Waters and then to Station Cafe at 10.30am to purchase your coffee.

Oxford Support Group

Third Wednesday of the month at 10am

At Café 51, Main Street, Oxford. Facilitated by Ans from the Oxford Cancer Society Volunteer Support Group. All patients and carers most welcome.

Cheviot Support Group

For patients and carers starting in April. Details to follow.

Kaikōura Women’s Cancer Support Group

Every Tuesday 10.30am

Facilitated by Belinda (Blou) Rickerby, Community Support Group Worker, Kaikōura Health Centre. Please contact Blou on 027 562 0811 to register.

Canmove Exercise Programme

Weekly classes start Monday 24 April, 1pm North Canterbury Sport & Recreation Trust

We are excited to be trialling a 5-week education and gentle exercise programme developed by the Cancer Society and YWCA (Wellington) for people who would like to learn more about living well with cancer. If you have not already registered, please do so on 0800 226 695.

Free Tai Chi Class

9 March, 1pm, Scout Den, 30 Church Street

Rose Guy, experienced Tai Chi tutor, is offering a free introductory Tai Chi class for beginners. Patients, carers and whānau welcome. Please register on 0800 226 695.

Cancer Society Men’s Get Together

Contact us to find out about our next event.

Gynaecological Cancer Peer Support Group

13 March, 7pm

Meets every second Monday of the month

A warm invitation is extended to people with ovarian, cervical, vulva, uterine and vaginal cancers to meet and gain support from others with gynaecological cancers. Contact Catherine 022 046 5070 or the Cancer Society NC 0800 226 695. Held at 143 Percival Street, Rangiora.

Cancer Society Rural Clinics

For all cancer patients and carers to find out about treatment-related support and rehabilitation. Held monthly (or thereabouts) at medical centres in Waikari, Amuri, Oxford (@ hospital), Kaikōura, Hanmer and Amberley. Please contact us to make an appointment. Home visits and appointments at the office in Rangiora available.

Cancer Society online video resources

Coping with Cancer where you’ll find an excellent range of information and support here: cancer.org.nz/supporting-you/howwe-can-help/coping-with-cancer-videos

Other resource and supports…

Look Good Feel Better

Workshops for women at CS Rangiora, Saturday 27 May 10am-12.30pm. To enrol online go to lgfb.co.nz/class-schedule/

The Rangiora workshops are listed under Christchurch with our address, 143 Percival Street in the details. There are also workshops online for men. Please register at lgfb.co.nz/programmes/for-men

Blue Bros

Exercise classes for men at 8.15am on Mondays, Mainpower Stadium, Coldstream Road, Rangiora. Facilitated by Mischa, this committed group extends a warm welcome to new patients. Contact Dave on 027 202 7525 to register.

Prostate Foundation support group

Second Tuesday of the month in Rangiora Contact Dean and Lois on 021 0224 6078 or email rangiora@prostate.org.nz

Sweet Louise

Support for those with advanced breast cancer. Contact 027 328 8003 www.sweetlouise.co.nz and facebook.

Lymphoedema Education Sessions

Second Tuesday of the month, 11am-12.30pm, Chapel, Burwood Hospital

Enter via Gate 3, Mairehau Road. Learn skills for the self-management of lymphoedema. To book phone 03 383 6833 or email physiobd@cdhb.health.nz to register for the group or attend by Zoom.

Ostomy NZ Support

Meet alternative months in Rangiora

(First Tuesday, Artisan Cafe) and Christchurch (First Wednesday, Kidd’s Cakes, Cranford Street).

Next meeting in Rangiora 10am, Tuesday 4 April. Contact Brent on 03 313 5744, Diane on 027 416 4185 or email: ostomycanterbury@gmail.com for education, support for patients and families.

Kaikoura Blue Bros

Exercise classes for men in Kaikōura, Wednesdays at 10am. Please call Belinda Rickerby 027 562 0811 to register. Join this community class to maintain your strength, flexibility, fitness and enjoy the camaraderie of others. Currently meeting for coffee.

Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ 0800 15 10 15, 20 Cashel Street, Christchurch. For more information on services check out leukaemia.org.nz

Pinc & Steel

Cancer Rehabilitation with a Certified Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist is available through Active Health offering group and individual sessions. Read more and/or register your interest at pincandsteel.com/programs/register/ or contact susan@activehealth.co.nz.

For families

Canbead

We’re hosting a beading workshop for families (school holidays) at the office in Rangiora on Friday 21 April from 1-3pm and Kaikoura on Wednesday 5 July at 1pm (online). We will be having another fun activity over the same holiday period … will keep you posted.

Canteen

Support for teenagers with their own cancer experience or a parent or sibling with cancer. Office at 23 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch. See canteen.org.nz for more information.

Introductory Tai Chi Class provided by Rose Guy

All cancer patients, carers and whānau warmly welcome.

Thursday 9 March, 1pm at the Rangiora Scout Den, 30 Church Street.

Rose Guy has over 30 years of experience teaching Tai Chi and Qigong. She has a weekly class in Rangiora and Kaiapoi. She runs Tai Chi Well and has kindly offered to run an introductory class for the cancer community at no cost.

Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, has been practiced for centuries as a form of exercise for both physical and mental wellbeing. The slow, gentle movements of Tai Chi are believed to boost physical strength and flexibility, as well as improve balance, coordination and concentration. One of the main benefits of Tai Chi for cancer patients is its ability to relieve stress and anxiety. Cancer treatments can take a toll on both the body and the mind, and stress can interfere with the body's ability to heal and recover. Tai Chi provides a meditative and relaxing experience that can help cancer patients feel more relaxed and at ease, which in turn can aid in the healing process.

To register please contact the Cancer Society North Canterbury 0800 226 695.

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