Community turns out for 300th Sterkfontein parkrun
The milestone event brought together seasoned runners, first-time participants and volunteers for another memorable morning on the trails.
More than 200 runners marked the 300th edition of the Sterkfontein parkrun at Sterkfontein Lodge on Saturday, July 4.
According to organiser Dewald Janse van Vuuren, the milestone event welcomed 34 first-time participants, while 17 dedicated community volunteers assisted runners and walkers along the 5km mountain trail.
Over the years, the parkrun has become more than just a weekly fitness event. It has created lasting memories for participants and supported community outreach initiatives to help those in need.
The event has also provided a platform for non-governmental organisations such as Community Led Animal Welfare (CLAW) to raise funds for their work in caring for animals in the community.
The Sterkfontein parkrun is part of a global network of free 5km events for runners, walkers and volunteers. These take place every Saturday morning at more than 2 000 locations across 22 countries on five continents.
Parkrun was founded by Paul Sinton-Hewitt on October 2, 2004, at Bushy Park in London, England. Born in Zimbabwe, Sinton-Hewitt attended Potchefstroom High School for Boys as a boarder in South Africa. He later became a club runner, recording a personal best marathon time of two hours and 36 minutes.
In 2004, while recovering from an injury and experiencing depression, Sinton-Hewitt started parkrun as a way to stay connected with his running friends. In a radio interview, he explained that the idea was inspired by regular races he had experienced in South Africa about 20 years earlier, where runners gathered on the same course each week. The first parkrun at Bushy Park attracted 13 runners and three volunteers and was organised by Sinton-Hewitt himself. Twenty years later, the event has grown into a global movement, with one of its regular runs taking place at Sterkfontein.
The Sterkfontein course welcomes both experienced runners and beginners, allowing participants to enjoy the natural surroundings while tracking their times. The route follows mountain trails, with some sections becoming muddy and slippery after rain due to leaves and puddles. Marshals are stationed at key points, and clear signage is in place to guide participants and ensure their safety.
