‘Parkrun tourism’ draws crowds to regional Australia, brings money to ‘country towns’

Neil Barnett lives with multiple sclerosis and hemochromatosis and last month he had a mild heart attack, but when he puts his running shoes on, there’s no stopping him.

The 57-year-old Brisbanite has run in more unique Parkrun locations than anyone else in Australia since he first took part in 2012.

Mr Barnett’s name proudly sits atop Parkrun Australia’s official leaderboard.

“I just love running,” he said.