Parkrun is a free, weekly five-kilometre run or walk that is held every Saturday around the world.

It started in the United Kingdom in 2004 and is now held in 14 countries.

The first Australian Parkrun was held at the Gold Coast in 2011 and there are now more than 200 locations across the nation – including Maitland, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Raymond Terrace, Fingal Bay and Singleton.

The Parkrun philosophy is simple: free, for everyone and forever – meaning participants can register once and take part in a run anywhere in the world.

Personal trainer Samantha Hindmarsh has been looking into setting up the Cessnock event for about 18 months.

A location has been secured at St Philip’s Christian College, Nulkaba with a launch date to be announced soon.

A Facebook page calling for volunteers was created this week and Ms Hindmarsh said the response has been amazing so far.

“Even when I’m doing the groceries I’ve had people ask me, ‘when’s Parkrun coming?’” she said.

“They’re very excited for it to come to Cessnock.”

Ms Hindmarsh said the family-friendly, free event could help tackle Cessnock’s high rates of obesity and heart disease.

A Heart Foundation report released in August revealed Cessnock had the highest rate of hospital admissions for heart disease in the Hunter, with 72.1 admissions per 10,000 people in the two years to mid-2014.

This came in well above the NSW average of 45.8 admissions per 10,000 people.

Ms Hindmarsh said getting the community moving was the most important thing.

“I know that the community needs something that’s free to get them active and moving,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter what you weigh or how you look, as long as you’re active.

“And if you’re having fun while you’re doing it, you don’t even realise it’s an effort.”

Ms Hindmarsh said the Cessnock Parkrun team is looking for anyone who is “passionate, reliable and committed” to help out with a range of roles, including marshals, timekeepers, event set-up and pack-up, photography and many more.

“Without volunteers, Parkrun doesn’t exist,” she said.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can email samantha_hindmarsh@hotmail.com.

Take a look at photos from a Maitland Parkrun in the gallery below.