Parkrun now safer
Remember superhero togs for 3rd birthday run
NAHOON Point Parkrun has partnered with Alderson Ambulance to make your 5km run around the Nahoon Point Nature Reserve a safer one.
This Saturday, in celebration of the run’s third birthday, everyone will be dressed as their favourite superhero or princess.
The free weekly event, which attracts between 400 and 500 runners, has enjoyed much success in East London over the past three years.
The regional director for Parkrun in the Eastern Cape, Bob Norris, said: “We have done this to make Parkrun safe. We don’t want to be alarmist, but you don’t know what could happen.
“Some people attend who don’t exercise often so it is best to be prepared.”
Event director Annamarie Acton said she approached Alderson for sponsorship and was grateful for their support, which will make Parkrun more compliant with the municipality’s health and safety regulations.
A few weeks ago, there were reports that Parkrun would be cancelled due to a Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) decision to charge a R511 weekly fee for using the reserve.
BCM officials said Parkrun organisers had failed to meet the agreements which had allowed for the original waiving of the fees to use a municipal amenity. The latest announcement has caused an upheaval in the regular running community.
However, Norris said he and Acton are currently conducting negotiations with BCM to come to a solution that will benefit the whole community. They have been given a three month waiver on fees while negotiations take place.
The volunteer-run event is sponsored by Blue Label Telecoms, Adidas and Discovery Vitality. It receives no public funding.
Acton encouraged Parkrunners to dress up this week for the birthday theme. “I love seeing people hose themselves laughing at volunteers when they come dressed to the theme each week. It really lifts the mood.
“We want everyone to participate [in the dress-up] this week. The sillier the better.”