Perth Voice Interactive

A BOOMERANG which has been jet-setting around the world connecting communities and promoting the Parkrun movement made a heartwarming homecoming to South Beach last weekend.

B3 was one of 10 boomerangs designed by South Beach Reserve Parkrun director Ally O’Rourke, and it’s spent over a year journeying across six countries while inspiring the runners and volunteers that have seen the recreation movement grow from a single event in a Michigan town in 2012 to now spanning 22 countries.

B3 first took flight on June 15 last year in the hands of young runner Aiobhin de Baroid at South Beach Parkrun. 

Aiobhin, along with her father Daithi and their friend  Lynn O’Driscoll, played a pivotal role in starting the South Beach event. 

Shortly after its inaugural run, B3 was sent to Kilkenny Parkrun in Ireland, where it was greeted by Aiobhin’s grandparents, who are both avid parkrunners. 

From there, B3’s adventure truly took off.

Ms O’Rourke says that over the past 18 months, B3 has traveled to Ireland, the USA, Canada, Poland, South Africa, and multiple locations across Australia. 

In each destination it was entrusted to a “boomeranger” for one week to showcase their local community and Parkrun event through photos and stories shared on the Facebook group 10 Boomerangs South Beach Parkrun Adventure.

From scenic parklands to bustling cities, B3 captured the essence of what makes each Parkrun unique while fostering connections between participants thousands of miles apart.

A self-described Parkrun enthusiast and Qantas brand ambassador, Ms O’Rourke came up with the concept of the decorated boomerangs to unite Parkrun communities worldwide through a tangible symbol of connection.

“Each boomerang tells its own story,” she said.

“It’s incredible to see how a small object can create such meaningful bonds between people who share a love for running, volunteering, and community.”

To keep track of the boomerangs’ movements, Ms O’Rourke and her team—dubbed Boomerang HQ—maintain meticulous spreadsheets and maps. 

HQ, composed of former boomerangers in the UK, also monitors the Facebook group, helps locate missing boomerangs, and ensures smooth transitions between hosts.

Over time, the boomerangs have developed their own personalities. 

B8, affectionately known as “B8rtie,” has gained a reputation as the party boomerang, while B2 is nicknamed “R2B2.” 

Now, it’s B3’s turn to return home. After visiting 22 Parkruns with 25 different boomerangers, B3 will be handed back to Aiobhin, completing the full circle.

Aiobhin says she plans to run with B3 one last time before the boomerang retires to South Beach Reserve.

The success of the travelling boomerangs has exceeded Ms O’Rourke’s expectations and she plans to compile their adventures into a book.

“This project has shown us that we’re all part of something much bigger,” Ms O’Rourke says.

“It’s a reminder that no matter where we are in the world, we’re connected by our shared love for community and movement.”

B3’s return Parkrun this Saturday will be a free event starting at 8am with registration open 15 minutes prior. 

Participants can choose to walk, jog, run, or volunteer, but Ms O’Rourke says they’ll always find a warm welcome at South Beach Parkrun—a place where no one finishes last, and everyone is part of the story.

by STEVE GRANT