Charles Edwards (87) is showing that age is no barrier to staying active, or pursuing something you love.
Recently, the Kempton Park resident completed his 450th parkrun, adding another remarkable milestone to a sporting journey that has spanned more than seven decades.

For Edwards, however, the achievement is about much more than a number.

His love of sport began during his school days, when he excelled in rugby, cricket and a variety of other sporting activities.

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His passion for rugby continued well beyond his playing days. He later became a rugby referee, allowing him to remain involved in the sport he loved.

Running eventually became another important part of his life, taking him to some of South Africa’s best-known races.

Over the years, Edwards completed half marathons as well as major events including the Comrades Marathon, Johnson Crane Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon.

When parkrun arrived in South Africa, it provided another opportunity for Edwards to combine his love of running with his passion for community.

He began his parkrun journey at Modderfontein Reserve, where he quickly established himself as a regular.

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His performances there included a fastest time of 33:04 in 2014, while in 2016 he recorded his highest age-graded score at the venue of 57.53%.

When Modderfontein Reserve parkrun eventually closed, Edwards simply continued running.

His parkrun journey took him to Homestead, Atlas and Serengeti before he found his current home at Zuurfontein.

There, he became the first person to complete 100 parkruns at the newly established venue.

The achievement earned him plenty of affection from the Zuurfontein parkrun community, with his milestone fondly remembered as “Oom Charles’ 100th”.

For those who know him, however, it is not simply the impressive number of runs that makes Edwards special.

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It is the consistency, enthusiasm and humility with which he approaches every Saturday morning.

At an age when many people might be slowing down, Edwards continues to turn up, lace up and get moving.

His daughter, Liza Edwards, said sport has always been an important part of her father’s life, but he has never been one to seek recognition for his achievements.

“My dad is one of the kindest and most humble people you could ever meet,” she said.

According to Liza, her father has always valued the friendships, laughter and sense of community that sport has brought into his life.

For her, though, Charles’ greatest achievement extends far beyond the sporting field.

When Liza lost her mother at the age of 19, she said her father became her “pillar of strength”, raising her with love, stability and quiet courage.

“Through every season of my life, he has always stood by me,” she said.

Watching him complete his 450th parkrun at 87 was therefore an especially proud moment for Liza.

“To me, he is more than a runner or an athlete, he is my superhero,” she said.