Springs parkrun grows steadily

The Springs parkrun was yet another success as the weather started off on a cooler note on Saturday at President’s Park on Paul Kruger Highway.

And while some runners may complete the lap in 15 minutes, others may take up to an hour to lap the field.

“We have our fastest runners finishing in about 19 minutes while our slowest could take almost an hour and a half,” says Mariette Rossouw who is an organiser of the Springs parkrun.

Roussow says they always handle their last runners as they would their first.

“This is to encourage them because it’s not only about winning but also about having a good time.”

The walk was also to raise awareness of Muscular Dystrophy by Lian van Eyk’s family who also participated in the walk.

Lian van Eyk (1), who was diagnosed with Limb Girdie Muscular Dystrophy type 2B in January, recently became mobile on his gait trainer.

The family aimed to create awareness of the rare disease in the community by getting participants to wear green.

The 5km run and walk attracted people from Springs and surrounding areas.

Roussow says they were honoured that so many members of the community of Springs supportd them.

“When we started we only had 120 people taking part; however, throughout the months we have see at least 500 people participating,” says Rossouw.

Simone Roux, a first time parkrunner says she had a refreshing morning especially since she has always been reluctant to take part in the parkrun.

“I feel as if I have missed out on all the fun and sweats of the parkrun but from now on I will attend as often as I can,” says Roux.