Local Parkrunner celebrates milestone birthday by volunteering
Parkrunners are reminded that parkrun is about community, consistency, and the joy of showing up rather than age, speed, or competition.
Gabriele Hügli, a dedicated parkrunner and volunteer, celebrates her 80th birthday helping young athletes, proving that age is no barrier to an active, joyful life.
“My parkrun journey began on October 4, 2014, when my friend Brenda Beckett introduced me to the weekly 5km event. From that very first run, I was hooked and never missed a Saturday since,” said Gabrielle.
Over the past 11 years, she has completed an astonishing 484 parkruns at 135 different locations, including events in Italy and Germany. Alongside running, she has volunteered 97 times, a role she cherishes just as much as crossing the finish line.
“I enjoyed it every time. I’ve met the most amazing people from all walks of life. Parkrunners are a friendly, happy lot, and I look forward to meeting them wherever I go each Saturday,” she adds.
Her weekly routine would encourage many younger athletes; she has gym or walking sessions four times a week, parkrun on Saturday, and the Syringa Run on Sunday.
“Fridays are reserved for rest; I need my legs for the weekend,” Gabrielle explains.
Her achievements are equally impressive. She currently holds 35 age-group records and hopes to add a few more, noting with a smile that not many women will enjoy parkrun at 80 as much as I do.
Her next milestones are firmly in sight, as she is eyeing 500 parkruns and 100 volunteer credits. Meanwhile, her friend Brenda will reach the coveted blue 500 shirt just four weeks before Gabrielle, something she celebrates with genuine delight.
Beyond the statistics, she is passionate about encouraging others to join parkrun. She has inspired her son and grandson to take part, and while her husband has yet to run one, she remains optimistic.
She also treasures the wider parkrun community, including memorable encounters with Bruce Fordyce, the legendary South African running icon and originator of parkrun SA.
As she celebrates her 80th birthday, Gabriele wishes for good health, so she can continue doing what she loves most.
