Parkrun comes to Bez Valley

Parkrun is coming to the Joburg East area.

The inaugural Bez Parkrun will be held on February 27.

“Parkrun is a healthy benefiting initiative. It attracts all types of people to join in for some fun while being healthy at the same time.

Also read: Gillooly’s Parkrun

“We have seen, in areas like Gillooly’s Farm, that people love it and it’s something they do together as a family,” said Ward 118 Clr Neuren Pietersen.

He said as a councillor he also wants to encourage healthy living in his ward.

“I would love to have an active and healthy ward. Parkrun is a starting point for bringing the community together while utilising a beautiful park,” said Pietersen.

Also read: Parkrun encourages healthy living

He said the idea to have a park run at Bez Park started in 2016.

“I had a desire to promote and uplift Bez Park. I found two residents in the area who also share the same ideas and we started exploring ideas of how we can revive the park,” said Pietersen.

He said he’s happy to see his wish come true.

“With the help of Bruce Fordyce, who is a Parkrun ambassador, who liked the idea and confirmed that Bez Valley Park will have a Parkrun,” said Pietersen.

He said this is an opportunity for the community to come together and do something positive.

“I would like to encourage residents to put on their running shoes and participate in inspiring this community. Change begins with little things and this can be the beginning. I will be bringing my family to enjoy ourselves as a family,” said Pietersen.

He said this will also benefit the park.

Also read: One thousand runners take part in parkrun

“The park is a hidden gem. It’s well maintained and has space for soccer and jogging, walking your dogs, picnic areas and more.

“It’s a beautiful park that has not been used to its full potential. I hope with the Parkrun we will re-energise the park and get more people coming to the park. I wish we can also have a bicycle track,” said Pietersen.

Parkrun is free. If you are interested you will need to register for the run, which only needs to be done once and there is no cost to the runner.

For more information visit www.parkrun.co.za