On Saturday, 16 November, Parkrun South Africa is due to reach an incredible milestone with the one millionth person to volunteer or compete in a parkrun.
The Welkom parkrun is one of the 220 parkruns currently operating in South Africa that has contributed to this landmark. Over 5 723 people have taken part over the seven years that this parkrun has been in existence.
Willie Niehaus. event director of the Welkom parkrun, said they are delighted to have played a part in contributing to this milestone.
“It is such a big number, but parkrun is also about the small things that we see every week – the smiles, the friendships, and the friendly and welcoming community that we have created,” said Niehaus.
He said they are also grateful to all of the volunteers who make it all possible each week.
“We look forward to welcoming many more new and previously active parkrunners. Come and join us on a Saturday morning. It is free, friendly, and it does not matter how fast you are. You can walk, jog, or run – or come and help out as a volunteer. We hope to see you soon,” he said.
Bruce Fordyce, president of Parkrun South Africa, is thrilled to reach this landmark.
“Who could have guessed that when we stood there at the inaugural Delta parkrun with just 29 participants, that just 13 years later we would see more than 1 million people join parkrun here in South Africa.”
Fordyce said he is excited to see what is going to happen next with parkrun in South Africa. “There are so many more people who would benefit from coming along to parkrun, whether to walk, jog, run or volunteer.”
KASSIEParkrun takes place every Saturday morning, all year around, at over 220 locations across South Africa. It is always free to take part in, and you can walk, jog or run the 5 km course, or help out as a volunteer.
Some statistics:
– In 2011, the first year of parkrun operations in South Africa, eight events were held. This year, more than 10 000 will occur.
– The highest-ever year for parkrun registrations was 2017, when nearly a quarter of a million people registered. This year’s registration numbers will be the highest since 2019.
– A South African parkrun finish line has been crossed over 13.4 million times.
– Over 60 000 people have volunteered at Parkrun South Africa.
– With over 220 events, parkruns are represented across all South African provinces. Gauteng is the province with the most parkruns, currently standing at 64 events.
More details about Welkom parkrun can be found at parkrun.co.za/welkom.
The event map of parkruns in South Africa can be found at parkrun.co.za/events.
Register to participate in parkruns at parkrun.co.za/register.
