TEN-year-old Cade Johansen is fast becoming a name to be reckoned with on the track field after completing his 96th parkrun. The Grade 5 Fynnlands Senior Primary School learner took first place at the Westville 5km parkrun on Saturday, 17 August, finishing at a time of 28.11 and setting a new personal best.
“I started doing the parkrun at North Beach when I was seven-years-old, because I love running, the outdoors and being active. I love getting to the finish line, knowing I have accomplished a race to the best of my ability and my love for running keeps me going,” said Cade, who is nicknamed Flash for his entertaining and lightning starts.
Apart from his impressive record, Cade is easily distinguishable from other runners at races as he runs barefoot. “I prefer to run barefoot, as I feel it makes me run faster and I haven’t had any cuts or serious injuries yet,” he said.
He added that his track field idol is Caster Semenya and he hopes to run the Comrades and the 100 mile (160km) Washie marathons one day.
Cade’s mother, Caylee Walker said she is extremely proud of what her son has achieved at a young age. “Almost everyone in our family is in love with this sport. His uncle, Cuan Walker, is a sports commentator for SABC. We are very fortunate that his granny, Denise Johansen, takes him to all the races and parkruns, as she does them herself. He has even gotten his younger brother, Skye, to take part in parkruns, so I guess it’s time for me to start,” said Caylee.
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