For many, the weekend means a slow start, rest or leisure time with loved ones. Then, for others, like parkrun volunteer Gary Jackson, Saturday mornings have a different buzz.
It’s all about volunteering with the Ebotse parkrun community, where, for over 10 years, he has awoken early to ensure everything is up to standard before the parkrun goes ahead at 08:00.
Jackson isn’t your average volunteer. He reached his 500th volunteering milestone on October 5, becoming the first in the country and on the continent to achieve this feat.
“It’s a passion to help and give back to the community. But it’s not about me. It’s about a team of volunteers who come here every week to ensure everything is up to standard before the parkrun begins. Without them, there won’t be a parkrun,” Jackson said.
He co-founded the Ebotse parkrun with Ian Morshead on June 18, 2012, and has since become a familiar face and a stalwart of the event.
While celebrating his milestone, Jackson reflected on his incredible journey, saying that despite some hiccups, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the joy, community and meeting new people kept him coming back.
“We needed scanners, timekeepers and a team of volunteers to have the parkrun. It became a habit to come here rain, hail or snow every Saturday. I didn’t know I had reached this milestone. I take my hat off to all the volunteers who come here to ensure the parkrun happens.”
Also Read: Watch: Ebotse parkrun celebrates 10 years
Passionate
Ultramarathoner Bruce Fordyce, who started parkrun SA in 2011, joined hundreds of others to celebrate Jackson’s milestone.
The Comrades Marathon legend described Jackson as passionate, emphasising that the parkrun wouldn’t exist without volunteers like him.
“Volunteering is the lifeblood of parkrun. Gary is special to parkrun SA because he’s the first volunteer to reach the 500 volunteering milestone. That’s more important than reaching 500 runs,” said Fordyce.
Parkrun ambassador and Ebotse parkrun event director Chintan Patel thanked Jackson for his dedication and commitment.
“This is a truly remarkable moment. Over 500 Saturdays have passed since 2012, and Gary has been there for us, ensuring parkrun runs smoothly every week. Week in and week out, Gary has helped ensure everything runs like clockwork, rain or shine. Thank you, Gary, for your incredible commitment and service over all these years,” he said.
The Ebotse Golf and Country Estate CEO, Stephan Vorster, said, “He’s passionate. What he has done here is incredible. There’s not a single volunteer who has done it more than Gary.”
Inspiration
Although ill and walking with a cane, Jackson still joins the other volunteers at CR Swart Park every Saturday to share valuable insights with young volunteers.
Jackson’s commitment and passion inspire Mary-Jane Sydow to spend her Saturday mornings helping at the event. Sydow will reach her 200th volunteering milestone on October 12.
“Gary has inspired me because he’s here every Saturday, even if his leg is sore. He will be here even when he’s battling, helping and advising the youngsters about how things should run. He’s one of the stalwarts here,” she said.
Also Read: Ebotse parkrun hits 500th milestone
