Maintaining your fitness can be challenging when away on business or during a well-earned break, and holiday indulgences don’t help either.
If you’re panicking about starting all over again after your holiday, don’t. South Africa is definitely on the fitness bandwagon, so there’s no need to fret about your fitness regime while you’re on the road.
Every Saturday morning there are over 100 park runs on the go around the country. These fun events mean you can walk or run for 5km with fellow fitness enthusiasts, so you needn’t worry about going it alone in a strange neighbourhood.
If you register on the parkrun website, they’ll even track your times anywhere in the country. This way you can continue with the fun while keeping tabs on your progress no matter where you are.
No matter where your FlySafair bookings take you, you can keep up the pace by joining in one of these park runs.
Gauteng Park Runs
If you’re visiting Johannesburg, Tshwane, the West Rand, Soweto, Ekurhuleni or Sedibeng, you’ve got no excuse to stage a lie in on Saturday mornings. There are over 50 scheduled park runs in the Gauteng region every weekend.
One of the best is the Modderfontein Reserve Parkrun. This 5km run sets off every Saturday at 8am from the nature reserve on Arden Road, Lethabong. Be aware that the gate for entry to the parkrun closes at 7h45, so arrive early.
You pay nothing to enter but if you don’t register on the website first to get a barcode number which needs to be with you at every run, you won’t get a time recorded. It’s a laid back affair in a lovely natural environment with no pressure to rush.
All participants are invited to join their fellow runners for a coffee at Val Bonne Country Estate afterwards.
Western Cape
If your travels take you to the Garden Route, Karoo, Overberg, the winelands or Cape Town, you’ll have plenty of weekly events to choose from. There are about 40 park runs in these areas every Saturday.
The Durbanville event is a treat, taking place in the lovely Meerendal Wine Estate. The 5km route winds among the vines and gorgeous views of this lovely area about 30 kms outside of Cape Town.
Every week, participants enjoy a coffee at Carlucci’s Restaurant on the estate. You can also stay for breakfast if you’d like, experience a cellar tour and wine tasting or take to the hills on a mountain bike. Children love the miniature train rides at Meerendal.
KwaZulu-Natal
If your FlySafair bookings mean you’ll be spending time in Durban, you’ll have 25 weekly events to choose from, both inland and on the coast. Hluhluwe, Nottingham Road, Uvongo, Ballito and Winterton all have events on the go.
The Amanzimtoti run follows a scenic seaside route along the boardwalk with plenty of options in town for a quick breakfast afterwards.
There are also a host of fun options for an entertaining day in Amanzimtoti, including a waterpark and bird sanctuary as well as a gorgeous beachfront.
Eastern Cape
There are 18 park runs scattered across the province at Knysna, St Francis Bay, George and even the Addo Elephant National Park. Check out the Parkrun Website for the one that’s closest to you.
The Hobie Beach Parkrun in Port Elizabeth is one of the best supported of these, following a route along Marine Drive and back. You’ll find plenty to amuse yourself for the day in the Friendly City including Heritage Walks, museums and boat tours.
Free State
The Free State has 18 park runs on the go on any given Saturday and Bloemfontein has 3 to choose from. The Naval Hill parkrun takes place in the Franklin Nature Reserve and is a top hit, offering the chance to see zebra, giraffe and wildebeest along the way.
While you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to visit the botanical gardens, check out the museums and visit the big cats at Cheetah Experience.
Are you planning a trip to Harrismith, Clarens, Welkom or Kroonstad? You’ll find park runs there too.
Hit the Road
Do your FlySafair Bookings now and enjoy a change of scenery and a chance to meet fellow runners in almost every city across South Africa, while keeping fit. Our online booking engine is the easiest way to find the best and cheapest domestic flights around.