Every Saturday at 8am, the Len Rutter Park is filled with more than 400 sweaty bodies who gather for their ultimate 5km workout.
A total of two laps are required to pass the finish line and the runners keep their own pace.
“The run is for everyone. It does not matter what age or weight you are,” said Philip Gray, event director of Park Run.
Dogs are allowed to participate as well.
Park run takes place in 10 different countries, including America, Russia and England.
The first park run in Africa started with only 20 runners in Delta Park, Johannesburg, on 12 November 2011 and is founded by Bruce Fordyce.
Since then the amount of runners flourished and a park run started five months later at Len Rutter Park, which Philip said is ideal because of the size of the park
“Thelma Fouche, 81, is the oldest park runner in Johannesburg,” Philip said.
“I completed my first Comrades Marathon in 1984 and I have accumulated 11 medals in various medals so far,” she said.
Philip said this is not a race, as he cheered on a group of runners who were about to run their second lap. “This is a fun run which is suitable for everyone,” he said.
He also said some of the runners who started have been privileged to participate in the Comrades Marathon.
Philip said the run is absolutely free. It is community and volunteer oriented and is sponsored by Adidas.
You need to register through their web site and after registration, a barcode will be given to you which you have to bring along.
You will also be able to check your progress on their web site when your barcode is scanned after each run.
If you would like to be a volunteer or register, you can do so through their web site www.parkrun.co.za
See how the run starts here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk1fxrgm0RQ&feature=youtu.be
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