How parkrun fosters community for retirees and newcomers in Fish Hoek

Fish Hoek’s weekly parkrun is more than just a 5km walk, jog, or run — for many local retirees and newcomers, it’s a lifeline to community, connection and purpose.

- ERIN CARELSE [e-mail]

And, according to parkrun Cape Peninsula event ambassador Richard Healy, the real magic isn’t in the running — it’s in the volunteering.

“Volunteering is the best part of parkrun,” said Mr Healy. “Without a second’s hesitation, I'd recommend it to anyone who's recently moved into the area, who’s feeling a little lonely or lost, or who’s gone through big life changes — like the loss of a spouse, downsizing, or retirement.”

Mr Healy hopes more people in Fish Hoek will realise that parkrun offers more than exercise — it’s a way to make friends, feel part of something meaningful, and give back.

“There are so many people looking for something new in this phase of life. Volunteering is simple, uplifting, and there’s always support to help you get started,” he said.

There’s no formal training or experience required, and roles range from cheering participants along the route as a marshal to helping at the finish line with timing or barcode scanning, to quieter tasks such as course setup, writing event reports, or taking photos.