Parkrun return relies on vaccination
MBABANE – The renowned Mbabane Parkrun has been missing in action since March 14, 2021.
The last event was the 148th edition before COVID-19 forced it to shut down. The wellness and health event was normally held every Saturday at the Albert Millin sports ground, starting at 8am. The event recorded an average 89 people who used the five kilometres fun run or jogging exercise to improve their fitness and health. Parkrun was categorised under the athletics flag and as being a roadrunning event, it was classified as high risk in light of COVID-19 as people gathered at the start and finishing point.
Parkrun is a UK-based charity with a global remit to promote community participation in healthy recreation. Since launching in 2004, it has grown to over 2 000 weekly locations across 22 countries, with seven million registered members. Prior to closing all events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a typical week would see 350 000 people walk, jog or run, and another 30 000 people volunteer.
The reopening of Parkrun events would significantly improve the health and well-being of many people, and keeping them closed represents a significant loss of opportunity regarding access to physical activity. National athletes Nkululeko Gama and Gugu Mthembu hold the fastest finishing time record. Gama set a 14;56 minute record on January 6, 2018, which was his 36th Parkrun and Mthembu’s fastest female record was engraved on April 28, 2018 on her 51st attendance.
Dedicated park runners openly declared their anticipation for the return of the event. Meanwhile, Mbabane Parkrun Co-ordinator Leon Drinkwater encouraged people to get vaccinated for COVID-19 in order for Parkrun to return. “I would love to bring it back as soon as possible. People should definitely get vaccinated
Ngeti Shongwe with her children Simphiwe and Senzi during a previous Parkrun edition.
EVENT STATISTICS
Events: 148
Finishers: 1,580
Finishes: 13,229
Average finishers per week: 89.4 Volunteers: 112
PBs: 1,987
Average finish time: 00:37:56 Average finishes per participant: 8.4 Clubs: 73
Gugu Mthembu – 20:02 – Event 51 (Apr 28, 2018)
Nkululeko B Gama – 14:56 – Event 36 (Jan 6, 2018)
Nkululeko B Gama - 86.38% 14:56 – Event 36 (Jan 6, 2018) so that we can come back. I spoke to the Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council (ESRC) last week. There is hope for Parkruns return if people get vaccinated for COVID-19,” he said.
Government targets to vaccinate at least 400 000 people before allowing industries such as sports and entertainment to return to full capacity.
A mass vaccination campaign was launched yesterday at the Business Eswatini (BE) premises along Malagwane Hill at Emafini and members of the public are encouraged to get their jab to increase their chances of survival against the virus.