Enjoy parkrun in Standerton during the festive period
Join the parkrun every Saturday at 08:00, as well as on January 1 for a special New Year’s day event.
With an added special event on January 1, it will be parkrun as usual in Standerton this festive season. According to Renette de Sousa, the parkrun at the River Park will continue to keep residents and their visitors active every Saturday morning.
De Sousa is the event director, a title she shares with Charl Van Wyk and together they are responsible for parkrun in Standerton.
She has been part of the local parkrun from its beginning, either as a participant or mostly as a volunteer. The 276th Standerton parkrun took place this past Saturday. Reminiscing about the 2024 events, the increasing participant numbers excited De Sousa.
“The weekly runners increased since Covid and we are steadily growing. It is nowhere near what it was before the pandemic.
“We now on average have between 60 and 70 participants compared to the 120 plus before Covid, but we remain hopeful.
“I think people became lax during the lockdown and fell into a comfort zone. It is not always easy for the average person to begin again from scratch – to wake up early to get fit.
“But you should just take that first step. If you can begin again, you will be ok. You will immediately feel better and have a new zest for life.
“The warm atmosphere and support at Standerton parkrun will make you want to return,” explained De Sousa.
The 5km route can be run, jogged or walked and you do so against the clock. There is no competition except against yourself.
Visitors to Standerton can participate as runners or volunteers. Remember to take along your barcode (parkrun ID), otherwise you will appear on the results as unknown.
“We love to welcome visitors and to make them feel at home. And if not yet registered, you can do this online at www.pakrun.co.za/register”
De Sousa said nothing keeps the parkrun from taking place every Saturday – rain, snow or wind.
“Since its existence, parkrun in Standerton had only once been cancelled because of a flood, which also prevented us from plotting an alternative route,” she explained.
De Sousa said 2025 will be no different. Parkrun will be every Saturday at the River Park, with two extra runs scheduled for January 1 and April 27. She invites everyone to join the parkrun at 08:00 every Saturday.
