LIMPOPO – Despite very hot and humid weather, 61 runners took on the first Parkrun for the year in Hoedspruit.

Hoedspruit Parkrun said on Facebook that the track was “thoroughly washed by rain” in the previous days.

Matthew Sussens reclaimed his crown in a time of 22:00. Second place was the first woman home in a personal best time of 22:51, Tarah Darge.”We had a few fresh-out-of-the-box parkrunners, and we are pleased they chose our course to embark on their Parkrun campaign.”

Pierre-Emmanuel Grimm, Eva Blommenstein, Jan Hees Schakel, Anja Verwoerd and Renaye Keus took to the trail for the first time.

Other personal bests on our course were achieved by Keegan Nicol (more than once), Regardt Schultz, Morgan Wheeldon, Tamryn Nicol (more than once), Rory Scott Malan, Anina Fourie, Martie Pretorius, Taryn Kate Malan (more than once), Jessica Sussens, Chris Jonker, Leandi Wasserman, Matthew Simpson, Bradley Rex Schultz and Hermien Weight.

Hoedspruit Parkrun thanked their team of volunteers, Donovan Botha, Kelly Conradie, Nicole Fiolet, Cathy Henning, Ilse Krige, Tertia Smith, Michele Timko and Debbie Wheeldon.

They also thanked ProTrack for the course, Thirsty Giraffe for the use of their ablution facilities, Discovery for its Vitality sponsorship and Parkrun SA.

To enter, visit parkrun.co.za/hoedspruit.