Century City Parkrun Celebrates 10 Years
There’s something special about a Saturday morning in Century City. As the soft morning sun rises over the canals and pathways, hundreds of people gather as one, runners, walkers, families with prams, old and new friends catching up, dogs eagerly joining in, all united by a shared sense of community.
This past weekend, that spirit was celebrated in spectacular fashion as Century City parkrun marked its 10 year anniversary.
What began in May 2016 with an uncertain but hopeful first event and an astonishing 545 participants has grown into one of South Africa’s most loved parkruns. On Saturday, 16 May 2026, the Century City parkrun community reached an extraordinary milestone, welcoming 1 137 participants, the highest parkrun attendance in South Africa for the day and the third highest attendance globally.
For the Century City Property Owners’ Association (CCPOA), it was a proud moment to reflect on a partnership built on wellness, connection and a shared love for this remarkable precinct.
The Run Club Before The Run Club
Over the past decade, Century City parkrun has become far more than a weekly 5km event. It has evolved into a vibrant community tradition that brings people together across all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
Every Saturday morning, the route comes alive with energy and encouragement. Participants weave through Century City’s beautiful green spaces, alongside the canals and even through Canal Walk Shopping Centre, a route so unique and impeccably maintained that Bruce Fordyce, CEO of parkrun South Africa, famously referred to it as the “Monaco Grand Prix of parkruns.”
Behind the scenes is a passionate volunteer team led by Co-Event Director Robin Lary, whose heartfelt reflection on the milestone perfectly captures what makes Century City parkrun so meaningful.
“Behind those numbers are thousands of individual stories of improved health, new friendships and a deep sense of belonging. Regular parkrunners, first timers, tourists from across South Africa and around the world all trust us with their Saturday mornings and they leave feeling a little lighter and a lot more connected.”
The Numbers Tell an Incredible Story
Over the last 10 years, Century City parkrun has achieved remarkable milestones:
- 409 events hosted
- 42 679 finishers crossing the line
- 213 395 kilometres completed by the community
To put that into perspective, participants have collectively covered enough distance to circle the Earth more than five times, or travel well beyond the moon.
But beyond the statistics lies something even more meaningful, countless moments of encouragement, resilience, friendship and joy.
A Partnership Built on Community
From the very beginning, the CCPOA has proudly supported Century City parkrun, recognising the important role it plays in creating a healthy, connected and inclusive community.
The success of the event is a reflection of what can happen when passionate volunteers, an engaged community and a supportive precinct work together. Maintaining safe, accessible and beautiful public spaces has always been central to the Century City vision, and seeing those spaces activated every Saturday morning by thousands of smiling faces is deeply rewarding.
Whether participants are seasoned runners chasing personal bests, first time walkers finding confidence, wheelchair users enjoying the accessible route or families simply spending quality time together outdoors, parkrun has become a celebration of belonging.
Here’s to the Next 10 Years
As Century City parkrun enters its next chapter, one thing remains clear: this is more than an event. It is a community tradition that reflects the very heart of Century City.
To every volunteer, participant, supporter and spectator who has been part of this journey, thank you for making Saturday mornings in Century City so special.
And to Robin Lary and the entire Century City parkrun team, congratulations on an extraordinary 10 years of wellness, connection and community spirit.
Here’s to the next decade of blitz PB’s, walks that soothe the soul, bestie catch-ups, prams being pushed and many more finish lines crossed together.