Saturdays have always held a special place in my heart. From my childhood, they represented a respite from the school routine — a day free from lessons and the chance to indulge in Saturday morning TV. As I transitioned into the workforce, Saturdays became my much-needed break from the weekly grind, with Saturday nights at the forefront of my mind.

However, in my 30s, the excitement of Saturday nights faded, giving way to a more routine-oriented lifestyle. 

It was during a trip to California in 2012, attending a friend's extraordinary wedding, that I felt a wave of optimism washed over me. Weddings have a unique way of inspiring reflections on life’s direction. I knew I would soon return to my job in England, while embarking on a Social Work degree through the Open University. I realised that in order to juggle it all without dropping anything, I would need to get in better shape. 

My colleague Maureen had persistently invited me to a local ‘running thing’, and on 8th December 2012, in a battered pair of trainers and with a touch of reluctance, I finally showed up. 

What followed was nothing short of transformative. I was immediately struck by how out of shape I was—it was HARD. Yet, the spark of determination was ignited within me. I knew that with continued effort, I could and would reap the benefits of improved fitness. Every Saturday I turned up, ‘grinding’ out my run, heading home to shower and then dive into my studies. The running strengthened my heart, while the academic challenges stimulated my mind. Through this routine, my life began to transform.

Fast forward to today, I find myself taking the first-timers' welcome for the 71st time and celebrating my entry into the 500 club with a huge sense of achievement, gratitude and balloons. I’m thrilled to say that I passed my degree, with my career and my health has never being better. I even have this blog, which feels like a dream for the frustrated school kid with undiagnosed dyslexia I once was. My life is filled with rewarding social connections; the Burgess parkrun community are amazing. I’ve had exciting travels, and grand adventures, all as a result of parkrun, with a special mention to Lahden Satama parkrun in Finland and Zamek-W-Malborku parkrun in Poland. And lets not forget the weddings from friends made at parkrun, with our trip to Bakewell parkrun in the peak district one of so many highlights.

From racing across London to complete the LonDone challenge at Brooklands parkrun, to soaking in breathtaking views at Mole Valley parkrun for my 400th, every moment leading up to this milestone of 500 parkruns has been wondrous. I’ve encountered so many inspiring people along the way and shared countless laughs, not to mention those exhilarating lung-busting sprints toward the finish funnel (looking at you Ken, Chris and Martin). 

As I reflect on the incredible people I've met and the joyful experiences I've had, I recognise that I am playing my own 'infinite game.' This concept, proposed by James P. Carse in his book "Finite and Infinite Games" is exemplified within the different layers of the parkrun community. While parkrun can certainly be viewed as a finite game—with its established rules, set endpoints, personal bests and challenges—its true beauty lies in its infinite nature. The focus is not on competition or coming in first (although coming first at Grovelands parkrun was truly memorable); instead, it champions ongoing participation and personal growth.

A perfect illustration of this infinite game is Susan Vernon, who completed her 351st parkrun today at the age of 79. Her commitment underscores the essence of parkrun: a celebration of fitness, relationships and zest for life. 

So here's to many more Saturday morning adventures, celebrating not just the milestones, personal bests or challenges, but the journey itself—and to playing the infinite game, where the joy is in the ongoing experience!

Stay safe, happy running or walking and happy volunteering.

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