The organisers of the Root 44 parkrun have been working to reopen after its closure in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, said Wallace du Plessis, event director for the Root 44 parkrun. However, the organisers have been struggling to obtain approval for the parkrun to be reopened, stated Du Plessis.
Stellenbosch Municipality received two objections from neighbours with regards to the parkrun being too noisy and for disturbing the peace, according to Du Plessis.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the Root 44 parkrun played a significant role in the community, drawing in a considerable number of parkrunners, said Wallace du Plessis, event director for the Root 44 parkrun. Between 900 and 1 500 previously attended the parkruns, he said. PHOTO: Supplied/Root 44 parkrun
Progress made amidst route redesign
“We need permission from the landowner, market, Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works, Stellenbosch Municipality, Parkrun SA, as well as the neighbours,” said Du Plessis.
“The parkrun was not part of the land use rights granted to Root 44, and as this is an application for an extension of their land use rights, a traffic impact study is required by law,” said Stuart Grobbelaar, spokesperson for Stellenbosch Municipality.
The parkrun is now in its final phase of approval, with the objection deadline at the end of July having passed, added Grobbelaar.
The route has been adjusted and moved 30 metres away from the objecting neighbouring farm, according to Du Plessis.
“It is very slow, but there is progress,” said Du Plessis.
The Root 44 parkrun organisers are making adjustments to the original route which will accommodate all parties involved, according to Wallace du Plessis, event director for the Root 44 parkrun. PHOTO: Supplied/Root 44 parkrun
Community fitness
The Root 44 parkrun has been an integral part of the community – attracting between 900 and 1 500 parkrunners every weekend – before the pandemic struck, said Du Plessis. Only about 400 runners are currently expected to come back, he said.
The Root 44 parkrun provided space for hundreds of parkrunners to exercise, socialise and volunteer, according to Stellenbosch community member Gavin Harvett.
The Root 44 parkrun offered ample room for numerous parkrunners to engage in exercise, social activities, and volunteering, said Gavin Harvett, a member of the Stellenbosch community. PHOTO: Supplied/Root 44 parkrun
As the application process nears completion, Du Plessis estimated that the parkrun could potentially reopen about a month after receiving approval from the municipality.
“I’m sure I speak for many when I say that we are extremely excited about the reopening of one of South Africa’s most beautiful and beloved parkruns,” said Hartvett.