Spirits high as Bryanston Parkrun nears 12-year milestone
Hundreds of runners filled Bryanston Park this morning as the popular 5km parkrun celebrated its growth, community spirit, and looked ahead to an even bigger future with its 12th anniversary just days away.
The atmosphere at Riverside Park on the morning of June 17 was nothing short of electric, as about 1 000 runners gathered for the weekly 5km Bryanston Parkrun.
With smiles, dogs on leads, children in tow, and volunteers cheering from the sidelines, the event showcased exactly why it has become one of the largest and most loved parkruns in the area.
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Event director for the day, Justin Devin Brass, expressed proudly on how far the parkrun has come since its humble beginnings.
“This is amazing,” said Brass. “We’ve grown from about 34 runners back when the Ashworth family started it around 2014, to now averaging close to 1 300 runners every single week. I’m pretty happy with that.”
The upcoming Saturday marks Bryanston Parkrun’s 12th anniversary, a milestone that Brass said belongs to the entire community.
Over the years, the event has attracted everyone from first-time runners and New Year’s resolution seekers to seasoned athletes and senior participants.
“What this parkrun has done for the community is incredible,” Brass said. “You see families, friends, kids, dogs, everyone smiling. You have to keep the vibe going, because when the atmosphere is positive, it shows in the run. People cross the line smiling.”
One of the standout stories Brass shared is of a runner affectionately known as Wolfie, now in his late 80s, who has completed over 350 parkruns and still finishes the course in around 40 minutes.
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“That’s what parkrun is about. “I’m extremely proud of what this parkrun has achieved, and I want it to keep going forever. I want to be here for the next 50 years,” added Brass.
Looking ahead, Brass sees only growth on the horizon.
“Even Covid slowed us down only briefly. The numbers are growing again. In 12 years’ time, hopefully we’re looking at 2 000 or even 3 000 runners. Please bring it.”
Among the hundreds of participants was Brandon Fairweather, a self-described parkrun addict who has been involved in parkrun for nearly 12 years and has completed around 455 parkruns.
“I’ve been with Bryanston Parkrun since day one,” Fairweather said. “It’s a nice flat course, which makes it appealing when you wake up tired and don’t want big hills. I’ve loved every day of it.”
For Fairweather, parkrun has been life-changing.
“The community is amazing, the people, the camaraderie, and even the coffee afterwards,” he said. “It’s become my religion, my weekly ritual. It keeps you accountable and gives you a reason to start your Saturday early.”
When asked how he would feel if parkrun ever disappeared, Fairweather didn’t hesitate.
“I’d be gutted, I really hope it’s around for many, many years to come.”
As Bryanston Parkrun prepares to celebrate its 12th anniversary this coming Saturday, Brass has one simple message for the community. “Guys, you have to show up, it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
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