Roodepoort parkrunner not finished yet

Every runner has an anthem that motivates them to run further, harder, and faster to beat that personal best.

As you look at the 73-year-old George Taylor, a runner and founding member at the Roodepoort parkrun, one cannot help but wonder if his feet are pounding the trail to the beat of Queen’s lyrics, (don’t stop me now) (Don’t stop me) “Cause I’m having a good time, having a good time …” as he completes parkrun after parkrun, seemingly not ready to stop any time soon.

George completed his 400th parkrun this past weekend at the Roodepoort parkrun at Len Rutter Park and he said, “400 is the milestone everyone aims for. It is a long and challenging period that you go through. I feel great that I could get through this amazing journey and complete this milestone. It was especially challenging for me because I also had two operations during this time that set me back for a while, but it only made me more determined to reach and complete this special run. It was always a challenge to run in rainy or miserable weather, but, with slight adjustments to the course, I was able to get it done.”

He added that he ran ultra-marathons, and completed 11 Comrades Marathons and two 100-milers.

“In 2011 I developed problems with my right knee and was advised by my specialist to stop running on tar and stick to shorter runs. So, the following year [2012] when David Ashworth started the Roodepoort parkrun, I helped him to get the run going and also started running the 5km course weekly,” George said.

George explained that he has participated in various types of sports throughout his life, as he believes it keeps you healthy – physically and mentally, and that is why he will always advocate for people participating in parkrun. “The parkrun is a short run or walk and is a safe and well-organised event that is free of charge. Anyone can participate in the parkrun, whether you are young, old, overweight, blind or deaf. You might battle a bit in the beginning, as it is a two-lap course, but, until you are fit enough to complete the entire 5km, you can go at your own pace,” said George.

The big 400 is not the end of the road for George, and he said that he would love to complete his 500th run injury free, and visit different parkrun venues, and said, “There is one parkrun venue on my bucket list that I would love to complete, and that is the Bushy parkrun in the United Kingdom. It is also the venue where parkrun originated from.”

In addition to his 400 runs, he has volunteered 305 times in 18 different volunteer roles; 59 as run director and 57 as equipment handling.

“I have also completed 345 parkruns at Roodepoort and 63 runs at other parkrun venues. One of them was in the United Kingdom. The two most difficult parkruns I have completed, are the ones at Westville and Sterkfontein,” he added, with a chuckle.

One of the highlights for George in his parkrun journey is the fact that his wife Bets, has been at his side the whole time, and together they became the first husband and wife duo to each complete 400 runs.

George concluded by saying, “I have always been a positive person, dedicated and inspired to do what I believe in and that is why I am so passionate about parkrun and ensuring the park and lapa were always kept neat and in order. By doing this, I can ensure the parkrun continues to be a family and friendly get-together where you can not only work on your health but also socialise and make new friends.”