Parkrun South Africa celebrates their 1 millionth participation
The weekly event is organised by volunteers and takes place every Saturday morning in Winston Ridge Park at 08:00.
Parkrun South Africa celebrated its 1 millionth participation on November 16.
Atholl Parkrun is one of the 220 parkruns currently operating in South Africa and has contributed to this landmark, with more than 10 648 people having taken part over the six years it has existed.
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Event director of the Atholl Parkrun, Jean Baillie said the community was delighted to have played a small part in contributing to the milestone.
“It’s such a big number, but parkrun is also about the small things we see week, the smiles, the friendships, and the friendly and welcoming community we have created. And of course, a big thank you to all our fantastic volunteers who make it all possible each week.”
Baillie added she looked forward to welcoming many new and previously active park runners.
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“Come and join us on a Saturday morning. It’s free, friendly, and it doesn’t matter how fast you are. You can walk, jog, run, or help out as a volunteer.”
Bruce Fordyce, the president of Parkrun South Africa, was thrilled to reach the 1 million landmark.
“Who could have guessed that when we stood there at the inaugural Delta Parkrun with only 29 participants, that 13 years later we would see more than 1 million people join parkrun here in South Africa, it is incredible,” he said.
Fordyce added he was excited about the future of parkrun in South Africa.
He said many people benefitted from parkrun, whether to walk, jog, run, or volunteer and looked forward to another million South Africans signing up over the next few years.
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