Resident finds his way back to his love of running all because of parkrun
Noordwyk resident and veteran Otto Ramokoka shows the value of maintaining physical fitness, returning to running after being told he would never be able to do so again.
Otto Ramokoka (69) from Noordwyk has had his love of running and staying fit rekindled, after being introduced to the local parkrun.
Ramokoka grew up in Alexandra. In 1993, he moved to Noordwyk where he found warmth in a new community.
It was then that he got the opportunity to do what he used to do when he was young. Like any other new resident, Ramokoka started exploring the new environment, trying to get used to it and learn how the community does things. This is when he met the community patrollers, deciding to join them and become a patroller himself.
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Being a patroller meant he would be involved in a lot of projects, including cleaning the community streets and the park, that was where he met the Noordwyk Park runners and walkers. It reminded him of his younger days, and that is when he joined the parkrun.
Ramokoka explained how he was welcomed by the parkrun members, and what the parkrun means to him.
“I found a friendly community and I was welcomed with both hands by all the members of the parkrun. The parkrun means a lot to me now, more than ever, because it has also become a way for me to know most of the community members in Noordwyk.”
Since falling in love with running in 1983, Ramokoka has participated in a number of marathons, including the Egoli, City to City, Nashua Johannesburg Marathon, Milo Koki, and Comrades Marathon. While training for his first Comrades Marathon he got injured. He then learnt the most devastating news of his life…
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That he would not be able to run anymore. “The doctors told me to stop participating in the sport, and that I should rather do more walking. That really broke my heart, because I have always wanted to stay fit and strong.” He also shares that being a parkrun member has helped him keep healthy.
His message to peers and residents his age who would like to start running or walking, is that they should just tell themselves that they are doing this, and to enjoy themselves and stay both physically and mentally fit.
“I really hope that the parkrun will grown each and every year and more people can join in to also experience the love and support that the parkrun gives to everyone.”
Running with the parkrun has helped Ramokoka connect with his neighbourhood and get back to being his old self.
Noordwyk resident and veteran Otto Ramokoka shows the value of maintaining physical fitness, returning to running after being told he would never be able to do so again.
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