Vryheid parkrun was awash with pink on Saturday as participants turned up in support of breast cancer awareness.

Bekele leads the field as 31 record personal bests

Mamush Bekele was the first finisher overall, while Izelda Meyer was the first woman across the line and the first junior overall. Congratulations to both of them on their performances.

Whether it was the result of hard training or the thought of being chased by a giant bumblebee, Vryheid’s runners and walkers were certainly moving, with an impressive 31 personal bests recorded. Those who achieved personal best times were: Rickert, Linda, Tyron, Tyler, Rueben, Samkelo, Nonsikelelo, Simukelisiwe, Sitembumusa, Liyanda, Khumbulani, Nokuthula, Nico, Annerien, Luthando, Jessica, Jabu, Sandile, Isie, Chantel, Tersia, Chantell, Surina, Christa, Ananda, Jolene, Allyssa, Lubanzi, Zaylee, Nozipho and Nonkululeko.

The organisers congratulated everyone on their achievements and encouraged participants to keep up the good work.

Pink outfits highlight an important message

Pink was the order of the day as parkrunners and walkers embraced the theme, creating a colourful display and a wonderful atmosphere.

While the outfits brought plenty of colour to the morning, the message behind the event remained important: breast cancer awareness.

According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in South Africa. Although it is more commonly diagnosed in women over 50, younger women can also develop the disease and men can be affected too.

Participants were encouraged to speak to their doctor or local health clinic about breast cancer screening and risk reduction.

Vryheid parkrun thanked everyone who took part and helped make the morning a memorable one, both on the course and in support of an important cause.

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.