Local runner adds to his list of achievements

Stephen Lane (75) ran his 350th parkrun at Len Rutter Park on July 1, and said he would continue to do so every Saturday.

Stephen began running the parkrun in 2014 after his daughter convinced him to partake in what would end up being a family affair, where his son and daughter as well as their families would take part. He added his wife doesn’t run, however, she is always there to cheer them on.

He continued to say that, even though his family does not take part as regularly anymore, he kept going and saw each milestone, whether the 50th or the 350th as an achievement, and as he reached each one it gives him a warm feeling.

“My goal is 500, I’ve done 63 different parkruns and I am aiming for 100, I’ve also been involved with volunteering and I have volunteered 61 times. I am very close to the Roodepoort volunteer team. What I like about the parkrun is the social affair, meeting all my friends on a Saturday morning, and also the family affair,” he said.

Aside from the parkrun, he is also part of the Florida Running Club where he runs longer distances such as the 10km and 21km, but he states not as many as he used to.

“I would recommend that everybody does the parkrun. Come and bring your friends, family, and dogs and make a fun morning of it. Don’t ever exert yourself. If you do a parkrun in 17 minutes or one hour and 17 minutes, it all counts the same, so come and enjoy.”