POLOKWANE – Veteran runner Johan van Graan is set to achieve a remarkable milestone in his running career as he aims to complete his 400th Parkrun at Hazelmere Dam, just outside Durban, on October 5.
With this event, he will also surpass the 2 000-km mark, a feat that has taken him over eight years to accomplish.
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Having completed Parkruns at 100 different venues across South Africa, Van Graan will earn the prestigious title of ‘Windgat’ within the parkrun community – a title given only to those who have completed 100 unique Parkruns in South Africa.
International Parkruns do not count toward this title, but runners who have participated abroad join the exclusive Cowell Club.
At 78 years old, Van Graan is set to join the world-renowned milestone club.
“I’ve reached all my goals in Parkrun, but I’m known for never stopping and always reaching for the stars. I’ll continue as long as my health allows. Even if I have to crawl, I’ll keep going. My next goal is to reach the blue club status of 500 Parkruns, which means I’ll need to keep running until I’m 80,” he reflected on his achievement.
A strong advocate for Parkrun, Van Graan praises the initiative for its accessibility and benefits.
“It’s a healthy activity, free of charge, and your times are recorded and sent to you. It’s safe, social, and available every week. I’ve made many new friends, not just in Polokwane, but across South Africa. With over 1.5 million registered participants in South Africa and 10 million worldwide, Parkrun has become a modern phenomenon, attracting nearly 30 000 participants every weekend, making it the largest sporting event in the country. And yes, you can even bring your dog!”
