[IN PICTURES] ParkRun atheletes rewarded
Anyone can join the ParkRun, says Susan and Pieter le Roux who are part of the ParkRun organisational team
POLOKWANE – Two athletes in the city were awarded for their valiant efforts and dedication throughout the year at Saturday’s ParkRun.
Johan van Graan and Gayle Leach received the ParkRun Commitment trophies which were handed over by Review journalist, Riana Joubert.
ParkRun Event Director, Felicity Roberts, said ParkRun is a volunteer-based organisation which hosts runs at the park across from Tom Naudé Technical High School every Saturday at 08:00.
“The athletes who participate do not run because it is a competition, they run for their own benefit and to improve their fitness. It is all in the spirit of having fun and meeting people with similar interests,” she said.
Susan and Pieter le Roux are also part of the ParkRun organisational team and they thanked the sponsors and everyone who participates in the ParkRun for making the initiative such a success. “Anyone can join the ParkRun, however, we urge them to first register before they take part in case of an emergency. It also helps us to keep record of their results,” Susan explained.
The apple does not fall far from the tree as Johan and his son JJ van der Merwe proved when they finished first and second at Saturday’s ParkRun. Shaun Lebedi rounded off the first three men over the finish line.
For the women, Eloise Dippenaar was the first to cross the finish line while Connor Booth (12) was the first among the children to cross the finish line.
The ParkRun is animal-friendly as well, so you can bring Fido along for the exercise, as long as he is kept on a leash.
The Mrs Polokwane finalists also joined in the fun with Nadia Du Preez (Mrs Polokwane 2014), Maureen Louw (Mrs Polokwane finalist), and Martha Chuene-Masapoga (Mrs Polokwane 2nd Princess 2017) all keen to be a part of the run.
