Celebration time! - Dulwich parkrun #629 - 31/05/25

aqasanu
18 hours ago
2 min read

This has been a truly celebratory week; the Ascension Day special parkruns across Scandinavian and Nordic countries on Thursday. It’s been great to see all the pictures from fellow parkrunners, which bring back happy memories from my trip to Finland last year and Denmark and Sweden in 2023. The vibrancy and community spirit at these special events is an incredible experience, and in some of the most stunning locations I’ve visited.

This week Susan Vernon, a long-standing member of Dulwich Runners and a regular at Burgess parkrun, turned 80, on Ascension Day; instead of celebrating overseas, she decided to attend Dulwich parkrun. It was a celebration I wasn’t going to miss.

With her pink hair, joyful and motivational personality, Susan is a firm favourite at Burgess parkrun, and there were lots of Burgess regulars at Dulwich to celebrate with her, contributing to an event attendance record of 930 participants!

Dulwich parkrun, May 2025 — Lots of regulars from Burgess parkrun attended to celebrate with Susan.

Susan started attending parkrun in 2011, in her 60s, and she embodies how parkrun embraces all comers, young and old and lifelong participation. Today was Susan’s 354th parkrun across England, Scotland, South Africa and Wales. Susan has also volunteered an amazing 177 times.

Susan’s parkrun journey highlights core parkrun values: it’s never too late to join in and reap the benefits of staying active. Her participation over the years has not only improved her physical health but also expanded her social connections, making every Saturday morning a celebration of life and community. Today, friends and family surrounded Susan, and she radiated happiness and well-being.

There was an attendance record at Dulwich today! Photo credit Sam Olara.

And earlier in the day, my friend Emma from the UK celebrated turning 60 by completing the Bay East Garden parkrun in Singapore, creating a memory for a lifetime.

Reflecting on these joyful moments from the Dulwich Clockhouse cafe amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Park, with its lush greenery, serene pond and the Conrad Shawcross Three Perpetual Chords, cast iron sculptures. I am reminded of how fortunate we are to have such a beautiful space where everyone can come together to walk, run, and celebrate milestones big and small. Regardless of age or background, parkrun remains a beacon of inclusivity, health, and community — a true celebration of life itself.