A walk in the mountains

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - As always, a Happy New Year to all of the participants, volunteers, supporters and dogs that contributed to the 138 event at one of the most scenic parkrun in the Eastern Cape, last Saturday, 7 January.

"We welcome our first timers and new parkrun friends, some local participants, as well as those visiting us, to the first parkrun of 2023" said Dave Neill.

Neill said that this event was made possible by Discovery Vitality, eight volunteers - Dave Neill, Jenni Calitz, Mike Calitz, Gerrie van Rooyen, André Claassen, Jacqueline van Zyl, Sorita Niemand, Anneke Wieneke and Camdaboo National Park rangers.

A total number of 48 park runners, including 8 first-timers, of which 2 visitors were from Australia, participated in the parkrun. Mark Rainey finished first with the best time of 20:11 and Lichen Booi finished first for the ladies.

Dave Neill, Roaul Strydom, Clark Labuschagne, Jane Safers, Jannie Safers all attained personal bests.

Ladies winners

Lichen Booi (21:30)
Megan Couperthwaite - 27:07 (first timer)
Jamie Lee Gerber - 31:23

Men's winners

Mark Rainey - 21:16 (First Timer)
Janilio Van Heerden - 22:32
Dave Niell - 22:58 (Personal best)

Interesting facts:

Since the inception of the Mountain Drive parkrun in 2019 there have been 138 parkruns, 9511 participants have completed the parkrun, including 1374 Personal Bests. A total of 103 individuals have volunteered.
The female record still stands with Andrea Steyn - 20:54, set on 17 December 2022. Men's record still stands at 16:14 , set on 2 July 2022.

Mark Rainey flying to the line.