Noordwyk runner proves age is just a number
For 69-year-old Otto Ramokoka, running has become a lifetime commitment and way of life.
Running and walking have been the way to keep fit for a Noordwyk resident and to keep connections with the community.
The 69-year-old Otto Ramokoka has been a member of the Noordwyk Parkrun since last year and said running has always been his first love.
Read more: Waterfall City Athletics Club runners maiden Cross Country Championship participation
Ramokoka grew up in Alexandra and moved to Noordwyk in 1993, where he found warmth in a new community and had 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 also learn how the community does things. This is when he met patrollers and decided to join them.
This got him involved in a lot of projects, including cleaning up the community streets and the park, where he met the Noordwyk parkrunners and walkers. This reminded him of the olden days, and that is how he joined the club.
Also read: Cross-country runners compete at Curro Sagewood
Ramokoka said, “I found a friendly community, and I was welcomed with open arms 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.”
He is a sports lover who fell in love with running in 1983, and since then, he has taken part in various marathons such as the Nashua Johannesburg Marathon and the Comrades Marathon.
He also took part in weightlifting, tennis, karate, and soccer, and was devastated when he sustained an injury during a 1989 soccer tournament.
“The doctors told me to stop participating in all the other sports, and I should rather do more walking, which 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 stay healthy.
His message to his 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 to enjoy themselves and to stay both physically and mentally fit.
“I really hope that the parkrun will grow every year and more people can join in to also experience the love and support that the parkrun gives to everyone.”
Running has been and remains a way of life for Ramokoka.
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
