Running legend, Bruce Fordyce, officiates first Sun City parkrun

Free fitness fun every Saturday morning – starting time 07h00

As of Saturday, May 3 2025, Sun City Resort now hosts the global parkrun phenomenon. The course runs entirely on permanent tarred golf cart paths at the Gary Player Golf Course, deservedly ranked as one of the most prestigious golf courses on the African continent. The 18-hole par-72 walking course has a 5km running trail along the course. Along the route, parkrun has green directional signage with marker boards at each kilometre to confirm participants’ progress.

“Because Sun City always goes big, our first parkrun was officiated by none other than South African Comrades runner and legend, Bruce Fordyce,” said Brett Hoppé, the Resort’s General Manager. “Not only did Bruce win the Comrades Marathon a record nine times, but he also started the first parkrun in South Africa in November 2011, and therefore, we were extremely honoured for him to join the launch of Sun City’s first, which saw an impressive 199 of runners and walkers participate.”

“As the word spreads, more loyal parkrun members join each week and the numbers will steadily grow.” Since the start, more than 700 runners and walkers have participated in the Sun City parkrun.

parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. The 5km event takes place every Saturday morning at 225 locations around South Africa, with more being added all the time. parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive, there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome.

While parkruns normally begin at 08h00, it’s important to note the Sun City event will begin at 07h00. This will give participants the chance to hit the shower and still make it down for a hearty breakfast (which they have earned) well before the 11h00 breakfast end.

Now taking place in countries around the globe, with enthusiasts adding locations to their parkrun “passports”, the first parkrun event was in Bushy Park, Teddington, UK, where 13 intrepid parkrunners got together on 2 October 2004. It was lo-tech in the beginning, with results collated on paper and the finish tokens were washers from the local hardware store. With the advance of technology, many hundreds of thousands of parkrunners are processed, websites updated and millions of emails sent each week. The parkrun community is growing all the time – but it’s all still based on the simple, basic principles formed from the start: weekly, free, for everyone, forever.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for Sun City guests and day visitors to stay active, on their own terms, whether they are seasoned runners or just want to get some fresh air. There’s no pressure, no competition – just a great way to explore the local area, meet new people, and enjoy your weekend. Don’t forget your barcode if you are tracking your time; register for free at www.parkrun.co.za

Put on a pair of takkies, arrive before the 07h00 whistle, and enjoy a leisurely walk or run along the 5km route. It’s that simple.

It’s even more enjoyable with a companion, so invite a spouse, child, or friend to join you. They can also act as an accountability partner for days when you need some motivation. In addition, the parkrun community is very friendly, and you can chat with others as you go.

And what’s more, you can add the iconic Sun City location to your parkrun passport.

Day visitors are welcome to attend the parkrun at Sun City, with their parkrun barcode granting them access to the resort but does not include entry to the Valley of Waves.

Entry is through lane 6 at the main entrance (toll gate). A shuttle service will depart from the Skytrain parking at 06h30, ensuring participants are on time for the 07h00 sharp start.

EVENT DETAILS