A healthy start to 2026 as hundreds take part in Bryanston New Year parkrun
More than 400 runners gathered at Riverside Park on New Year’s Day as Bryanston Parkrun welcomed 2026 with sunshine, smiles, and a powerful sense of community, marking a strong start to the year and building momentum toward its 11th anniversary.
Bryanston Parkrun welcomed the New Year in celebratory style on January 1, with just over 400 runners and walkers taking to the Riverside Park course.
Supported by 12 dedicated volunteers, the event had a distinctly festive atmosphere, with families turning out in numbers to start 2026 healthily and actively.
The weather played its part too, with overcast skies and sunny spells, and mercifully rain-free, creating ideal conditions for participants of all ages and abilities.
Read more: Bryanston Parkrun celebrates a stellar 2025 and looks ahead to 2026
Throughout the morning, warm greetings of ‘Happy 2026’ echoed across the park as members of the parkrun community celebrated not just a new year but their shared commitment to fitness and community connection.
One of the Bryanston Parkrun volunteers, Avi Naidoo, reflected on the significance of the turnout and what it represents for the wider Bryanston area.
“Having 400+ runners means we have more Bryanston residents who feel safe coming out to run in our parks,” said Naidoo. “It also means more people will be joining parkrun and making it part of their weekly routine.”
Naidoo emphasised that parkrun’s impact extends beyond a single Saturday morning.
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“Every person who comes out to Riverside Park is helping to build a better, safer Bryanston and a healthier community. That’s what makes days like this so special.”
The New Year’s Day event also comes at a meaningful time for the local parkrun. At the end of January, Bryanston Parkrun will celebrate its 11th anniversary, a milestone that underscores its longevity and role in fostering community well-being.
“Reaching 11 years is a signal that we want to be part of a better community,” Naidoo concluded.
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