Abel wants all to be fit and able

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Regular Mountain Drive parkrun participants in Graaff-Reinet are no strangers to Abel Ndamase (57), who always encourages fellow runners on Saturdays with high-fives, a broad smile, and "You can do it!".

Ndamase, a law lecturer at the SAPS Academy, celebrated his 50th parkrun on 22 February. "I never miss a run because I want a healthy lifestyle," he told the Advertiser.

Ndamase runs each morning before work, and in the evening when possible. Ndamase nearly missed the first parkrun, as the group who invited him had cancelled. However, he decided to go on his own and hasn't looked back since.

"I love it because you don't compete with anyone but yourself, and I enjoy encouraging people."

Ndamase said he also encourages his students to become active. "A healthy lifestyle is very important."

And what's next for this eager runner? "I promise to continue running parkrun; to 100 runs and beyond!"

Abel Ndamase in action at the Mountain Drive parkrun.
Photos: Paula-Ann Smit