Suspension of Parkrun a huge blow to running community

For more than eight years, the distinguished Glen Cullen Estate has played host to the Middelburg Parkrun, renowned by runners for its breath-taking view and the challenging incline of the last two kilometres.

Comrades champion, Bruce Fordyce, who is also recognised as the “Father of Parkrun”, ran the course during its official opening.

According to a circular issued by Middelburg Parkrun, the weekly Saturday event has been suspended until further notice due to the venue at Glen Cullen no longer being available.

Ms. Inge Honeyborne from Glen Cullen Estate, briefly explained that the reason behind the closure of the course is owed largely to the development taking place on the estate, which holds an unavoidable risk towards participants.

“It was a saddening decision after playing host to the wonderful community for so many years.”

Ms. Honeyborne further added that Glen Cullen hopes to re-establish the Parkrun course in future, but due to the exploding developments, obstacles and risks for joggers have become unavoidable and that the decision was solely made with safety of the Parkrun participants in mind.

The course itself came under some scrutiny two months ago after severe waterlogging caused long stretches of muddy puddles along the track, which has become too slippery for most Parkrunners to navigate.

The waterlogging was none other than a natural phenomenon brought about by the heavy rainy season, which left the estate muddy for most of the winter as well.

During the time, prominent members of the Parkrun community pledged to take hands with the Glen Cullen Estate to ensure that the course would be restored.

Mr Hein Koch, the organiser of the Loskop Marathon, spoke highly of Glen Cullen’s owner, Mr Olaf Erichsen, who was known for going the extra mile to maintain his grounds on behalf of the Parkrun community.

The Middelburg Parkrun also thanked Glen Cullen Estate in their circular, for their unwavering support over the last eight years.

Middelburg Parkrun also welcomed suggestions from the public on an alternative location for the Middelburg Parkrun course.
Anyone with information can send an email to middelburg@parkrun.com.

• An official statement issued by Glen Cullen Estate will be published at a later stage.