Eighty-five-year-old Mavis Venter continues to defy the odds, proving that age is merely a number. Venter completed her 300th parkrun at President’s Park on November 7.

Surrounded by family and fellow runners, the atmosphere was filled with excitement as they celebrated this milestone.

Unlike many seasoned runners who begin early, Venter only started participating in parkruns in her 70s.

“I used to play tennis and my son recommended I do the parkrun, and I said ‘I’m too old’, but he convinced me, so I went for it,” she said.

“The first time I ran it, I actually fell and I wanted to continue, but he stopped me. I told myself I’d show them that I can do it.”

Venter has cut her finishing time from 59 to 45 minutes, boasting a personal best of 42 minutes. She spoke about what she enjoys the most about running and what this accomplishment means.

“You get fresh air, exercise, you see old friends and meet new people — it’s wonderful.

“Reaching 300 is the best feeling because I didn’t think I’d make it at my age. If I live long enough, I would like to reach the 350 milestone. My motto is to do all you can, while you can, until you can’t,” Venter said.

She advises fellow senior citizens to get active and to start by walking.

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“Get off the couch and start walking. You can start with 100m and soon you’ll be able to do 200m or more. Do not allow yourself to become a couch potato — it’s important to be active at our age,” she said.

Marius Jonker congratulated Venter on her milestone, saying it is rare to reach the 300 mark at that age.

“It’s incredible to be able to do a parkrun at that age and she should pat herself on the back for it,” Jonker said.

Venter’s granddaughter finished the run alongside her grandmother and other family members.

“She’s very strong and motivated. I don’t even think I’ll do that in my lifetime – she’s a true inspiration.”