Page 33 he Sunday K is, quite simply, Parkrun for swimmers: a free, friendly, one‑kilometre event designed for every level of ability. But the idea didn’t come from a committee or a strategy meeting. It came from a serious bout of FOMO (fear of missing out). “I couldn’t run anymore – my body just wouldn’t let me – so I found myself missing that Parkrun buzz,” said founder James Harwood. “Some long laps alone with my thoughts helped me come up with a plan, and the Sunday K was born.” After 35 years of swim coaching and teaching, James knew exactly what he wanted the event to be: accessible, inclusive, and something that nudges people back into the water. “Having worked in swimming for so long, I wanted to create a free event that would encourage more people to swim and use the fabulous facilities we have.” Swimmers register online, then check in on the day to receive a QR‑coded wristband. Poolside, they’re sorted into lanes that match their ability – either by previous times or the pace they estimated during registration. Then comes the unique part: swimmers enter the water one by one, setting off at seven‑second intervals. The steady, staggered rhythm gives everyone room to find their tempo and settle into a comfortable pace for the one‑kilometre swim. “It’s not the Olympics,” James reminds participants in each pre‑event chat. “It’s about community spirit and working together.” Up to ten swimmers can share a lane, and somehow, it all runs like clockwork thanks to a timing system and the cooperative atmosphere that has quickly become the Sunday K’s signature. To bring the idea to life, James teamed up with friend and local tech wizard Nick Oxley, who volunteered his time to build the event’s website and app. “Nick has done an amazing job,” said James. “Swimmers can register, track their improvement, and receive emailed updates of their times, including personal bests and other results.” The first Sunday K took place on 23 November 2025, drawing 39 swimmers. Since then, participation has surged: the event now averages over 60 swimmers each week, and more than 270 people have registered. And winter won’t slow them down – when temperatures drop, the Sunday K will move indoors to the TAS pool. And the momentum is spreading. New Sunday K events are set to launch in Guyra, Inverell and Broken Hill, with strong interest from Mudgee, Quirindi, Muswellbrook and other regional centres. The long‑term plan is to expand across regional NSW and, eventually, into the cities. The Sunday K is completely not‑for‑profit and free to join. Local sponsors help cover the cost of wristbands, signage, and insurance, while grant applications are in progress to support the growing network of events. Armidale Regional Council has also stepped in, granting free pool entry to all Sunday K participants – a huge boost to the program. The inclusive ethos is at the heart of the event. Swimmers range from eight to 75 years old; flippers are allowed; stopping is fine; and the pace is always your own. The result is an environment where confidence builds, friendships form, and simply being part of something becomes the real reward. “It’s tremendous seeing people come down, use the Monckton Aquatic Centre, and practice for the Sunday K,” said James. “We’ve found it to be a fantastic event for bringing people from all walks of life together and into our community.” For more information visit thesundayk.com.au T The Sunday K is a new event bringing the local community together – one lap at a time
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