In February 2018, Wānaka residents Adam and Jane Sharman and Penny Batchelor got together to organise the event which had already been a global success since 2004.
Over the years since, the run has had 24,917 finishes and 8172 people taking part in the run or walk around the 5km Wānaka loop.
Event director Katy Macpherson said the event had been a great addition to the town, as it had allowed people from all walks of life to connect.
"It is all about connection, that is what we are about — community connection. It can be a lonely place, Wānaka; there is no judgement and no expectation [at parkrun]. It can be what you want it to be, whether that is a milestone to achieve every week or whether you just want show up and go for a coffee afterwards."
Macpherson said she had been in Wānaka for 21 years and while she was very social, she became aware it could be a hard place to make friends. parkrun had been a nice way for people to connect without pressure.
"We live in such a spectacular place, why wouldn’t you love it? I was surprised to hear people couldn’t find connection and make friends. So I put a solution out there to connect."
The parkrun community had become a family, she said.
"A lot of community events in Wānaka, you become a whanau, and you look after each other and support each other and it goes beyond the Saturday mornings.
"You don’t have to turn up every week. We try to identify the locals and connect to go for coffee afterwards."
The run begins at the old homestead at the Wānaka park station and heads along to the lake, towards waterfall creek and back to the start again.
The team were inviting anyone and everyone to the 350th event tomorrow.
Macpherson said the milestone would not be possible without the dedicated volunteers, some of whom gave their time week after week.
Several run directors had clocked up over 100 volunteering stints, keeping the event safe, welcoming and inclusive.
Alongside them, there were some regular volunteers who consistently came along, willing to help make sure each event happened, whatever the weather, she said.
When asked what made parkrun so special, Grant Jenkins, who had volunteered 96 times, said: "I really enjoy being around watching people pushing themselves to get better, and be better, no matter what their level or age is.
"It’s definitely a Saturday morning to look forward to!"
Richard Keeling, along with his dog Hana, had volunteered on 153 occasions.
"I like volunteering as it keeps me busy, helps me exercise the dog and helps socialise her with other dogs and people."
Recently, they have had teenagers volunteering as part of their William Pike Challenge community work.
"It is fantastic having these school children volunteering. Watching their confidence grow as they embrace whichever volunteer role they are in, is just inspiring," Macpherson said.
The 350th Wānaka parkrun will start at 9am tomorrow at Wānaka Station Park and there will be cake to celebrate the milestone.
