Vryheid parkrun was about more than running and walking on Saturday, as the local community came together to support the Vryheid Animal Welfare Society (VAWS).

The local Run for a Purpose group joined parkrunners and walkers for a charity event in support of the animal shelter, with donations making the morning even more special.

WeRise Women’s Ministry, which organised the charity run/walk, thanked the Vryheid community for its support and generosity.

“Whether you walked, jogged or ran, every single step you took made a difference,” the ministry said, adding that the donations brought in would provide valuable support to the shelter.

The parkrun team also welcomed the many new faces who joined the event and thanked everyone who contributed to the cause.

Ngema takes fourth consecutive win

There was still plenty to celebrate on the running front, with Mbuyiseni Ngema taking his fourth consecutive first-place finish. Liané van Zyl was once again the first female finisher.

Daan completed the most parkruns among the men, with 322 events to his name, while Thembi led the women with 171.

Milestones and personal bests

Milestone celebrations added to the excitement, with Karl and Elsabe both completing their 50th events, while Kerry marked her 100th.

The cooler weather also brought a welcome collection of personal bests, with 13 parkrunners improving their times. Congratulations went to Arthur, Linda, Hendrik, Carladine, Nokuthula, Hennezelle, Charlotte, Hélena, Kwanele, Alicia, Kwenzi, Zander and Annelize.

The Vryheid parkrun family also welcomed newcomers.

The morning reminded everyone what can happen when local groups and residents work together for a good cause. For VAWS, the support means a great deal, and for Vryheid parkrun, it was another opportunity to show that the event is about more than just the finish line.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.