Poplar Street parkrun 50th in Gauteng
More than 370 runners and walkers participated
The Poplar Street parkrun was launched recently, and, even though it was not without some challenges, it could be seen as fairly successful.
The event, which is the 50th parkrun in Gauteng, saw 372 runners and walkers line up at the starting line, eager to try out the new, two-lap, five kilometre course.
Participants included the councillors for Wards 70 and 84, Caleb Finn and Gert Niemand, the former 5 000m record holder, Shadrack Hoff, and Cara Fordyce, the daughter of the parkrun founder and Comrades Marathon runner, Bruce Fordyce.
The first male finisher, as well as new course record holder, was Eden Hendricks, who finished in a time of 19 minutes and 45 seconds. It was his 11th parkrun.
The first female finisher and new course record holder, was Cristina Karadimitriadis, who finished in a time of 25 minutes and seven seconds. It was her 188th parkrun.
Kip Norman, the regional parkrun ambassador for the West Rand, said that he believed the event launch was quite successful, despite a few issues that will be addressed.
René Benjamin, the councillor for Ward 71, and the main driving force behind the launch of this event, echoed his sentiments, and said, “The event was very well attended and the numbers far exceeded my expectations. Some of the participants did approach me after the event with some concerns. We will definitely look into these and rectify them. We will get Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo to cut the grass to ensure we have wider paths for everyone to run and walk on comfortably, and will also address the issue of providing sturdy bridges where the stream can be crossed safely.”
She concluded by thanking all the volunteers and marshalls who came out to help, the members from the Roodepoort Athletics Club who also helped out as volunteers, members from the Roodepoort West Community Policing Fourum, Captain Yorke and Warrant Officer Loots from the Roodepoort Police, Kip Norman, parkrun SA, Christel and Dewald Botha, Davidsonvile Community Patrollers and National Security who ensured all vehicles were safe.
The parkrun takes place every Saturday at 8am at the Poplar Street Park, Poplar Street, Lindhaven.
