Sterkfontein parkrun reaches double-century milestone

Breaking a sweat and testing one’s physical capabilities was part of the plan when over 200 participants made their way to Sterkfontein Lodge to take part in the 200th parkrun on April 20.

The run was also an opportunity for NGOs like Community Led Animal Welfare (Claw) to raise runs funds in their efforts to help animals in the community.

The Sterkfontein parkrun is part of a collection of 5km events for walkers, runners, and volunteers that take place every Saturday morning at more than 2 000 locations in 22 countries across five continents. It was founded by Paul Sinton-Hewitt on October 2, 2004, at Bushy Park in London, England. Paul was born in Zimbabwe and went to Potchefstroom High School for Boys as a boarder in South Africa.

He became a club runner with a personal best time in the marathon of two hours and 36 minutes. In 2004, Sinton-Hewitt was suffering from depression and unable to run due to an injury. He founded parkrun because he wanted to continue to spend time with his running friends. In a radio interview, he said that the idea for parkrun came from his time in South Africa 20 years earlier where he had experienced competitive races that took place on the same course at the same time each week. The first event took place at Bushy Park, had 13 runners and three volunteers, and was managed by Sinton-Hewitt himself. Twenty years later, the parkrun is a fun affair held in many parts of the world including one held in town.

The Sterkfontein parkrun in Dan Pienaarville has been held since 2018 and has seen many residents with their families and pets participate and hit various milestones every Saturday morning. Whether you take part in challenging your fitness or taking part for fun, there is always a reason to enjoy the fun.

Runners can challenge themselves while enjoying all the wonders that Mother Nature has to offer. The course is run entirely on trail paths. Some sections of the course accumulate mud, leaves, and puddles after rain but marshals are available at key sections of the course, and signs are put in place to guide hikers and ensure their safety.

According to the parkrun’s director, Stephen Coningsby, the run is completely free for anyone who wishes to participate, however, they must register online before taking part. They can do so on www.parkrun.co.za and choose the closest one to their area and will be provided with a bracelet to be scanned.

The parkrun is a community event in which many people from all walks can take part, whether you are young or old there is always something to do.