Toti athlete takes on 100th Park Run
Aside from his Saturday morning runs, Marc has a love for wheels and involves himself with a host of motorcycle related sports.
AFTER an injury prohibiting him from running, Marc Nel (38) swore that he’d take every opportunity once recovered to run.
The athlete has now completed his 100th Park Run on Saturday, 22 July.
“It started as a now-and-then thing,” said Marc. “Ever since recovering from my injury sustained a year ago, I run every Saturday.”
The athlete is a business owner and father to a five-year-old daughter who also runs Park Run.
Marc heard about the event in other regions of SA. “Our first one was opened by Bruce Fordyce and I had to take the opportunity to run alongside him,” said Marc. “I had no idea then of how addictive it would become and the amount of fantastic people I would meet. My weekend would not be complete without starting it on our beautiful Amanzimtoti beach.”
The athlete admits that he spreads the word about Park Run daily. He often runs alongside the ‘newbies’ for encouragement. If not, he runs with friends or family and if the conditions are perfect, Marc tries for the elusive personal best.
“Apart from the love of being active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, The Park Run has become my cup of coffee to start the weekend,” said Marc.
Aside from his Saturday morning runs, Marc has a love for wheels and involves himself with a host of motorcycle related sports.
“I take part in the odd trail run, MTB rides, triathlon and adventure races. I use Park Run and cross fit as part of my exercise regime as the beach sand is an unbelievable strength builder,” he explained.
Marc’s advice is ‘do it’.
“There is zero pressure. Walk it, crawl it, run it. I have not met a person that hasn’t returned after their first one. It’s a brilliant way to meet people, get some fresh air or get a jump on Mondays ‘new diet’. If in doubt, come and volunteer.”
Marc sends a massive thanks to race director, Chantelle Webber along with the regular volunteers.
“They are not thanked enough,” said Marc. “Dedicating their own time, week after week to watch us run or stroll past, we are grateful.”
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