Parkrun brings its buzz to Toti
There were visitors from all over the country, many of whom visited Toti specifically to attend the launch.
This weekend saw parkrun launched in Toti with a new KZN record of 195 registered people taking part in the inaugural run, 177 of whom were taking part in their first parkrun event.
Bruce Fordyce and his wife Gill were part of the proceedings and he charmed the crowd with his brief and humorous introduction to the parkrun concept before the event, and afterwards by signing autographs and posing for countless photographs.
There were visitors from all over the country, many of whom visited Toti specifically to attend the launch and vowed to return, which is tremendous news for the tourism sector.
Chairman of Sapphire Coast Toti Tourism, Jacques van Schalkwyk was at the event and expressed his delight at the energetic vibe and the great sense of community generated.
“This is exactly the kind of activity that we want to see taking place on a regular basis on the beachfront and promenade,” said Jacques.
The eThekwini beach office provided invaluable guidance to event director, Claudine Farr in acquiring the relevant authorisation to host the weekly event. Beach office staff were also present and expressed satisfaction in the event’s proceedings.
Spotted in the crowd were the Army Saints, better known for their admirable efforts in cleaning up the Toti River, who also took part, but at a slower pace than the other participants as their efforts were focussed on cleaning up the route rather than trying to break any parkrun speed records. Armed with their black dustbin bags, they posed a formidable army indeed.
“I’m so proud to be part of the phenomenal parkrun family which extends across more than 445 venues in nine countries across the world, and more importantly I’m proud to be part of a community which rallies behind events like these that make a difference in our lives,” said Claudine.
“So many people lead frantic, fast-paced lives, overloaded with stress and very little time to commune with nature, touch base with family and connect with the rest of the community. This event provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve all of those pleasures on a weekly basis.”
Amanzimtoti parkrun takes place on the beachfront at 8am each Saturday and is free to all.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of a successful parkrun event, so if you would like to be part of the action but don’t feel up to traversing the 5km route, why not offer your services? Email Claudine at amanzimtotidirector@parkrun.com
To find out more about parkrun and to register, visit www.parkrun.co.za.
‘Like’ the Amanzimtoti parkrun Facebook page for weekly updates and event photos.
