Elderly runner completes 150 parkruns at Victoria Lake in Germiston
“He still frequently comes in between 43 and 45 minutes ahead of many who are way younger than him,”
At the age of 86, Elphin Lodge Retirement Village resident Desmond Green celebrated completing 150 parkruns.
To achieve this, Green has clocked 750km while completing the 5km course at Victoria Lake in Germiston.
He received recognition for his achievement at the park on January 6.
Known by many as a master of speed walking, some of the younger participants, including his daughter Debbie Davies, battle to keep pace with Green.
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Green’s swift pace has not only kept him ahead of younger athletes but secured him a Victoria Lake parkrun record in his age category for the fastest completion time.
His fastest parkrun was completed in March 2023, clocking 42 minutes and one second.
“He still frequently comes in between 43 and 45 minutes ahead of many who are way younger than him,” said his daughter.
A resident of Rand Aid’s Elphin Lodge for just over three years, Green is dedicated to his parkruns and hardly misses an event.
He is determined to keep himself as fit and healthy as possible.
“I think he finds moving as much as possible helps his arthritis,” said Davies.
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Besides parkruns, Green also goes to the gym to help him stay supple and alleviate his aches and pains.
“He goes to the gym at least three times a week to work on strength exercises and stretching,” said Davies.
She said her father is an inspiration.
When it comes to technological expertise, Green has no problem keeping up with the younger generation either.
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This is thanks to his career as an IT manager.
“My dad is a dedicated grandad who still ferries his young granddaughter around to ballet classes, and loves attending all her performances. We are so very proud of him,” said Davies.
