Sterkfontein parkrun returning soon and better than before

At the Sterkfontein parkrun, several severe injuries were recorded and as a result, the route was closed by parkrun management and the Sterkfontein Heritage Lodge, where the parkrun takes place.

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This prompted site assessments and for the past couple of months, route renovations and maintenance were conducted. The lodge was not involved in the reassessment but said they would like to continue to host the parkrun and elected to upgrade the route to eliminate the problem areas.

Parkrunners are now eager to see what the team at the lodge will produce but will have to wait a little longer as the upgrading has been slowed down by the persistent rain of the past three weeks.

Landowner Braam Bothma and his committed staff at the lodge have put in countless hours to maintain and enhance the course, making it as breathtaking and exhilarating as ever, even in the face of recent heavy rainfall.

He said his team gave their all, filled in ditches, paved paths, removed overgrown shrubbery, and even used a jackhammer to break up dangerous boulders as part of their unrelenting dedication to preserving the event’s natural beauty and special challenges. Larger rocks have been removed from the path to make the race safer, but it is still the same as before. This had a significant impact when the rain continued to reveal additional rock. When the course reopens in a few weeks, participants can anticipate a safer but no less challenging course.

“One of the most significant upgrades is the enhancement of the bridge at the bottom of the valley.

Safety remains a top priority, and these modifications will ensure that runners and walkers alike can traverse the route with confidence,” said Dewald Janse van Rensburg, the Sterkfontein parkrun event director.

While the start and finish points have been slightly adjusted, runners will still gather at the familiar meeting spot.

“Like all parkrun courses, this one is 5km long with a vertical ascent of about 135m,” explained Clive Smart, a parkrun event ambassador.

“No new training is required, but we have introduced painted arrow markers to reduce the number of marshals needed,” Clive concluded.