Get Parkrun back on track

THE whole purpose of this letter is to appeal for the reinstatement of the Nahoon Point Parkrun.

We, as Nahoon Point Parkrun, had a wonderful four years taking over the Nahoon corner for parking, and enjoying a 5km run through the reserve and along the roads and beach each Saturday morning for about three hours.

For many parkrunners, it was the highlight of the week. We never left a piece of litter or caused any damage.

According to Buffalo City Metro, the Parkrun organisers did not comply with repeated requests to rehabilitate sensitive reserve areas and give weekly reports on the numbers of runners or communicate with BCM in a respectful manner.

BCM explained how a coastal nature reserve is much more sensitive than an inland reserves (and has specific national legislation governing activities within this zone).

Also, they have to uphold the “duty of care” clause within this legislation pertaining to coastal nature reserves. “Duty of care” requires that corrective action be taken in the case of any environmental degradation.

BCM is trying to give equal treatment to all sport lovers, and also has to consider surfers, beach goers, paddlers etc.

So, has the Parkrun light been switched off? Hopefully not. Hopefully we can:

● Find a car park for all vehicles that still allows for other user groups to access the coastline and reserve;

● Mark out a route that is safe, hopefully as close to the Nahoon point as possible, and can take an uncapped amount of runners while not jeopardising the integrity of the coastline and coastal reserves.

This might take some private enterprise to establish walkways, routes etc.

In all this, respecting Parkrun’s ethos of events being free, safe and easy to take part in.

Yes, we need to find a way, for the love of Parkrun and our beautiful Nahoon Point. — MarieClaire Hand, Nahoon Mouth