A run for the ages

I LOVE this photo. To me, it epitomizes what parkrun is ALL about. I am a regular runner and volunteer at Wondai parkrun.

This shot was taken on our 100th event in Wondai. I had the delightful experience of a young man called Rob running with me for pretty much the whole event. So, we got chatting (as you do). I found out he had fallen off a horse when he was six and broken his back in three places, and he had had cancer when he was ‘little’. I thought it was fantastic that he was out running despite all that and told him as much.

As we got closer to the finish I enquired as to whether he would like to sprint ahead and get over the finish line before me. His response was; “No, I prefer to cross the line with you.” Talk about an awesome attitude. I then asked him that seeing as we were going to be crossing the line together, would he like to hold hands. You can see from the photo what his response to that was. It was just one of those precious moments. Worth noting – there is an age difference here of several decades – and sharing an activity such as parkrun makes this absolutely 100% inconsequential.

If you haven’t joined in on the global parkrun band-wagon, can I encourage you to sign up for free and give it a go! Every Saturday around the globe, people get together to run, walk and socialise in what will always be a FREE (and timed) event.

Neena Love
parkrunner A2764575