Kick off your fitness resolutions with Carnival City parkrun

The holidays are over for many and schools are about to start, so if your 2026 fitness goals are feeling a little slow off the mark, you’re not alone.
There’s no time like the present to give those a jump start, so put your best foot forward and sign up for parkrun to achieve a year of fitness, which is its own reward.
In addition to improving fitness through running and walking, parkruns also provide mental health benefits.
What makes them excellent is their suitability for all fitness levels and their ability to accommodate both young and old.
Newbies can sign up now, and existing runners and walkers can continue doing what they know.
How parkrun works
There is a two-step (pun intended) process: register and rock up.
• Registering on www.parkrun.co.za is easy, and if you are a Discovery member, there’s a direct link for you to access. You will receive a parkrun barcode to bring with you and scan when you cross the finish line.
This will allow you to get your weekly times, your overall placement, and your placement within your gender and age groups.
• Put on a pair of tekkies, arrive before the 08:00 whistle, and enjoy a leisurely walk or run along the 5km route. It’s that simple, and it’s free!
It’s even more enjoyable with a companion, so invite a spouse, child, or friend to join you. They can also act as an accountability partner for days when you need some motivation. In addition, the parkrun community is very friendly, and you can chat with others as you go.
Many parkruns are also dog-friendly, and your four-legged friends will be very happy for the outdoor time with you. Please bring poop bags with you and pick up after them.
Volunteers are also greatly welcomed.
Carnival City parkrun
For those who reside near Carnival City on the East Rand, the parkrun is a one-lap course on a fairly flat trail. The start and finish are behind the casino on Century Road.