WHAT’S THE SECRET?

Fingers crossed at this stage, pending an editorial decision on whether this article can occupy the usual Opinion page or must go to Sport. Allow me to help in that decision. It’s about an activity that has become a world-wide phenomenon, creating a global community with a common commitment that relates as much to its social content as the physical. That activity is known as the park run; and it’s catching on in a big way.

What’s the secret? What’s so special about an event that’s starting at the same time and running, or walking, the same distance every Saturday morning? It’s like being at school and having to run long distances on certain days. Was anyone crazy about that? But the park run, operated to standard rules and format, is taking place every Saturday at more than 2 000 locations in 22 countries across five continents.

No one compelled to join, it’s perhaps the simplest innovation in modern history. It started 20 years ago with a small group of people running five kilometres, once a week in Bushy Park, London. And then those guys tapped into this widespread need for a routine that promises better health, social interaction and an excellent start to the weekend. It somehow grew quickly and extensively. And the walking component of the park run has broadened the intake, carrying the undeniable pleasure of lively physical activity and conversation with others; both in a scenically attractive setting.

And, in the absence of accident or an unfortunate medical condition, the weekly five kilometres (effort in run or walk being sympathetically proportionate to age and physical condition) at 8.00am from the Mbabane Club and around the golf course, is likely to extend your life. I can (privately) show you authoritative opinions to that effect. The Mbabane version started some eight years ago that included the mandatory two-year COVID gap; then around 2022 the Manzini Park Run started. This past Saturday, there were 97 runners and walkers at Mbabane, including around 20 very young runners, now brought regularly to the event by their custodians. If they stick at it, we may one day find an Olympic runner among them. The entire event is facilitated each week by around 10 gallant volunteers.

Registered

Out in the big wide world, there are 9 million registered participants who are ‘regulars’, with 100 million having done the Park Run at least once and half a million people having functioned as volunteers. The average finishing time has gone from 22 to 32 minutes. No, not a ‘detoriation’, but simply showing how the numbers have increased to include the slower participants. The penny has dropped among the older people, and they are now turning out for that Saturday morning exercise instead of having the extra cup of tea in bed.

There’s a strong camaraderie content. During a recent visit to the UK, I attended the Southampton Park Run. In the first week, there were 960 runners. The second week, it was 1 180. Pouring into the Common from all directions, the participants created an impressive mass of people, of all shapes and sizes, and all greeting each other warmly; social cohesion at work in the city.  Part of the Park Run protocol is to call visitors out in a group. I was one of about 60 in that group. “Anyone here from a long distance away?” “Yes, I’m from Eswatini,” came the answer. Furrowed eyebrows throughout. “Formerly Swaziland. A great country to visit,” I added. Those eyebrows now rose in bright curiosity. A large number of participants across the world specialise in visiting other park runs; many notch up well over one hundred such visits. It’s become like a big family, and you get such a welcome as you visit each one.

Age

And it’s never too late to start. Coming up shortly I’ve got one of the big zeros – the second digit of one’s age. Guess which one. Wrong; I’m younger than that. What a cheek! Nevertheless, one look at the video of me running last week - sent to me with good intentions – and you would suggest I be placed under house arrest. We have some great young local runners doing 17 minutes, and some walkers who take the full hour to get round. At the park run, nobody cares what you look like in action, or how fast or slow you go. It is remarkably egalitarian in that regard. And attendance is free of charge with tea, coffee and water thrown in – well, placed gently on the table - after the run. And, often, when someone has a birthday, a piece of cake is often added to the comestibles.

For those past a certain age, the act of running itself is no longer enjoyable or even possible. Participants ‘graduate’ to walking. A 95-year-old Englishman, Harold Messam, was told by doctors he would never walk again following a double fracture to his pelvis. He is now a regular at the Long Eaton Park Run, in Derbyshire. He completes it in under an hour. But you will need a decent planet on which to obtain and enjoy those extra years. Since the lady of sensible words, normally contributing below this article, is also a regular Mbabane Park Runner, I dedicate the final words of this week to her own mission.

“This devoted lady always at her desk; studying the weather that may come next. “A cleaner planet is what she wants. She tells us that more times than once. “In just what way can we assist? Take in her words, then make your list.”

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