Delta parkrun celebrates its 500th event

Parkrunners of all shapes and sizes gathered to celebrate Delta Parkrun’s 500th event on October 22.

What began with just 26 runners and four volunteers on 12 November 2011 for the Delta parkrun, nationally, parkrun has grown to some 200 events with nearly 30 000 people taking part every week.

Only four of those original 26 were back at Delta to take part in this milestone event and they were Comrades king Bruce Fordyce, his wife Gill, Dieter Meyer and Elton Clothier-Huberts. The occasion was particularly special for Meyer who was also running his 500th parkrun, the second person in South Africa to achieve this incredible number of runs.

ALSO READ: Parkrun SA is eager to open its runs soon, along with safety protocols

In total, 700 runners and walkers were at Delta parkrun for the event and 45 volunteers made it possible.

Meyer spoke about his first-ever parkrun. “My late wife saw an article about parkrun in the newspaper and told me that there would be a run at Delta Park with Bruce Fordyce.

“I couldn’t believe that there would be an event on a Saturday in Johannesburg but I went and I just loved it,” added Meyer.

Now based in Kimberley, Meyer made the journey back to Delta to ensure that he could celebrate his 500th run at the same time as Delta’s 500th event.

ALSO READ: Parkrun SA celebrates six years in style

Clothier-Huberts now divides his time between the Netherlands and South Africa and was fortunately available to join in the festivities.

“I wouldn’t have missed this for anything. Parkrun is such an important part of my life and I’m thankful that I can take part in both countries,” said Clothier-Huberts.

Fordyce said he was delighted to celebrate Delta Parkrun’s 500th event and was looking forward to the next 500.

ALSO READ: Delta Park’s most diligent volunteer says goodbye