Reaching a parkrun century

The 92nd Pegasus Parkrun attracted a fitting 92 runners and walkers on Saturday morning, just one shy of its highest turnout.

Not only was it a good day to be out enjoying the lakeside vistas, but there may have been the added incentive of celebrating with event director Geoff McMillan as he achieved his 100th Parkrun.

McMillan started out at the Hagley Parkrun in Christchurch but has also taken part in events in Adelaide and Invercargill.

His foray into running came in 2011 after a heart attack caused him to have a look at his lifestyle and include exercise as part of his recovery plan.

He founded the Pegasus Parkrun in June 2016 and the weekly event has grown in popularity ever since.

As well as participants from North Canterbury, there has also been a steady trickle of overseas visitors taking part.

‘‘It started out in 2004 in the UK and it’s now in 20 countries worldwide, with 4.5 million registered parkrunners.

‘‘The ethos is an enormous boost to individual and community health.’’

The weekly run, which kicks off each Saturday at 8am from Pegasus Lake, is a coordinated event with timekeepers and volunteers recording names and times.

Check out the parkrun.co.nz/ pegasus for details, all welcome.