Hazeldean Farm Parkrun honours first event director’s life at 100th run
Peter Wilgenbus was honoured with a tree planting, which also marked the beginning of a new tree-planting initiative organised by the farm.
The Hazeldean Farm Parkrun in the East of Pretoria celebrated its 100th run last weekend in which the organisers honoured the life of one of the first event directors who helped organise the first parkrun at the farm.
The Parkrun organisation is a global institution that organises free races, which are safe and easy to take part in.
Organisers of the Hazeldean Farm Parkrun said that they usually had about 300 people participating in the parkrun every week with new faces joining each time.
Hazeldean Farm parkrun was started in 2019 with the vision of the farm owners, Evelyn Botha, Frederick Malleson and their entire family, and Peter Wilgenbus, one of their first event directors.
Wilgenbus passed away in January 2021 from Covid-19, so Hazeldean Farm thought it was only fitting to honour him on the 100th run at the farm.
Evelyn Botha said that Wilgenbus was passionate about parkrun and would always be seen with his camera.
Botha said that, with the dedication of the volunteers, the Hazeldean Farm parkrun has become a well-established weekly event where people of all fitness levels are encouraged to get out.
Wilgenbus’ tree planting also marked the beginning of a new tree planting initiative organised by the farm.
Botha explained: “The story starts in 1973 when the farmers at Hazeldean Farm planted an avenue of trees on the road at the time leading onto the farm from Pretoria.
“They had some friends over for a tree planting weekend and said ‘plant a tree in 1973 and plant some more in 1974’. Now, 50 years on, we are pulling this heritage through to ‘plant a tree in 2023 and plant some more in 2024.’
“My wish for 2023 is that everyone will plant a tree in 2023. The world will be a better place with more trees. One tree makes a small difference. Many small differences make a big difference. No matter where you are in the world, you can either donate a tree to Hazeldean Valley or plant a tree in your area and make a difference.”
“Thank you to all our parkrunners, volunteers and our event directors, past and present. Without all of you, Hazeldean Farm would not be the amazing parkrun it is.
“And to Peter, thank you.”
Parkrun events always cover a distance of 5km and take place in pleasant parkland surroundings. The parkrun organisation encourages people of every ability to take part, from walkers or those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience.
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