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So really, it’s no surprise that when their wedding day rolled around, the couple didn’t trade lycra for lounging — because Saturday is parkrun day, and traditions are traditions.
While most couples spend the morning of their wedding sipping tea and keeping calm, Dean and Theresa laced up at Willow parkrun, the exact spot they first met in 2022.
Their pre-wedding run wasn’t a quirky last-minute thrill.
They’d planned it from the moment ‘Save the Dates’ were printed — with the location proudly included.
“The morning of our wedding was the most fun run I’ve had,” Theresa said.
For Dean and Theresa, returning to Willow on such a meaningful day felt natural and heartwarming.
“We really love the people there and how warm we’ve always been treated,” they said.
The Willow crew didn't disappoint, and embraced the occasion like proud extended family.
Volunteers dressed the starting area with wedding-themed touches, and celebratory snacks — and the essential Zooper Doopers — waited at the finish line.
Theresa even worked parkrun colours into her look, carrying flowers that echoed the iconic apricot and forest green and, of course, wearing her runners.
Dean went the opposite direction, trading in his runners for classic leather shoes.
As always, the parkrun community members threw themselves into the moment.
Known for their love of wearing tutus on the 22nd of any month, cheering on a wedding-day jog was right in their wheelhouse.
Dean kept his pace deliberately mindful.
“The church felt 1000 per cent more serious and nerve-racking than the pre-wedding run,” he said — proof that even grooms prefer a 5km run to a full aisle walk.
After crossing the finish line, the bridal party headed to Albury for the ceremony, carrying with them all the joy and sweat of the morning.
As for future anniversaries? Dean and Theresa say they’ll be celebrating with a parkrun every year.
Who needs pre-wedding jitters when you have a 5km warm-up?
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Shepparton parkrun enthusiasts Dean White and Theresa Cook tied the knot in Albury.
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No sore feet here — only Theresa could make sneakers so chic.
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