Polokwane resident boasts with 300 Parkruns to his name
Johan van Graan has been involved at Parkrun Polokwane since its first day in 2015 and recently completed his 300th run.
POLOKWANE – Avid runner Johan van Graan participated in his 300th Parkun event with his running partner, Louise Buys, at the park opposite Tom Naudé Technical High School on November 5.
Van Graan started to run in Polokwane in 1978 and has been involved at Parkrun Polokwane since its first day in 2015.
His 300th Parkrun milestone amounts to 1 500km and he becomes the only resident of Polokwane who completed all eight Parkruns in Limpopo.
The 76-year-old grew up in Soweto and went to Meadowlands Primary School.
He completed high school at Monument High School in Krugersdorp where he was the headboy.
He urges people to join and participate in the Parkrun.
“It is good exercise and it has health benefits. The Parkrun provides athletes with the opportunity to socialise with other athletes. We are urging people to come to the park every Saturday morning and run with us. Their results and times will be e-mailed to them and put on the website.”
He dedicated the milestone to his family and friends for supporting him through the years.
“I started running when I was a young and I have never stopped since. The 300 milestones always reminds me of the first lap which was challenging. I will forever cherish those first moments.”
Asked if he will continue running given his age, Van Graan says he will be active in all forms of running.
“I am 76 and I think I still have the will and the drive to continue running. Running is my life and my favourite sporting code and I don’t see myself stopping now.”
