Parkrunners welcome 2024 with a walk, jog, run and a big smile

Len Rutter Park was bustling with activity on both January 1 and January 6 as walkers, runners and joggers were eager to welcome the new year with some outdoor activity.

Roodepoort parkrun’s first event for the year was on New Year’s Day, and a total of 283 runners and 29 volunteers arrived to complete the 5km course. The first male finisher was Eden Hendricks with a blistering time of 18 minutes and 41 seconds and Cristina Karadimitriadis was the first female over the finish line with a time of 24 minutes and seven seconds.

There were 40 first-timers, 19 participants recorded personal bests and there were seven milestones celebrated on the day. The milestones included a 400th run for George Karadimitriadis, a 300th (with 105 volunteer credits) for Carina Wilson, a 250th for Quinton Quait and Joan Edwards as well as a 50th for Patsy Katia (she also volunteered 137 times) and Neil Britz.

The second event for the year was held on January 6 and saw a total of 495 runners and 28 volunteers. Eden Hendricks was once again the first male over the finish line with a time of 18 minutes and 29 seconds with the first female finisher, Anaamika Maharaj, short on his heels with a time of 23 minutes and 48 seconds.

There were 47 first-timers, 28 personal bests shattered and six milestones. Milestones reached on the day were Deanna Sean (250th), Matthew Bouwer (200), Lesley Freeborough (200), Ingrid Carson (200), Barbara Pawlowics (50) and Clare Tomaselli (50).

The Roodepoort parkrun takes place every Saturday at 08:00 at Len Rutter Park, and it is free for everyone. The parkrun runs entirely on volunteers, and are always looking for an extra pair of hands.

For more information on the parkrun, visit www.https://www.parkrun.co.za/roodepoort/.