The return of warmer weather and spring blossoms seems to have spurred runners to return to the weekly parkrun en masse, with an impressive 421 runners descending on Len Rutter Park on August 30.

Johannesburg Water’s fixing of a persistent sewage overflow into the stormwater system that runs through the park has made a significant impact, and runners were once again treated to fresh, stench-free air.

Moeketsi Tsoeliane finished his 226th parkrun in first place in a time of 20:28, nearly a minute ahead of second-place runner Jordan Daniels, who set a new personal best with 21:26.

Tayde Martins took third place, also with a new personal best time of 21:30.

The first woman over the finish line was Eva Carson in ninth place with a time of 24:40. She was followed by Cici Mchunu in 12th place with a new personal best time of 25:11.

As always, the parkrun was overseen by a dedicated group of volunteers, who, in addition to making sure the times are clocked and the race is concluded safely, also loudly cheer on runners as they round the first circuit.

Roodepoort parkrun has also partnered with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and Discovery Vitality in their #Gift2Move campaign, which aims to collect 100 000 sports shoes to donate to those who need them most.

Runners are urged to bring their gently used (or new) sports shoes to donate on September 13.