The oldest Geezer! - Burgess parkrun #558 - 15/03/25
- aqasanu
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
With blossoms starting to appear on trees and snowdrops, crocus, and daffodils on the grassy lawns, spring is starting to reveal itself at Burgess Park. Under a blue sky I lined up at the back of the field of 701 participants for today’s event. The field included a sub 16min runner, walkers, buggies, assisted runners and an old geezer. We were well looked after by the 27-strong and supportive volunteer field. Josie was Run Director, and after the regular announcements and updates, she set us off for our 5k fun.
Russ Cook has commenced his attempt to run the entire length of New Zealand which you can see by clicking here. It looks like an incredible journey; New Zealand looks stunning. Having previously worked in a prison, breaking the world record for running a marathon whilst pulling a car and being the first person to run the entire length of Africa, Russ has earned his title as the ‘hardest Geezer’.
However, on this lovely Spring morning I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else as I was able to accompany Chris Vernon, who, at 81 years old and completing his 400th parkrun is our beloved ‘oldest Geezer’.
With three generations of family in attendance and members of his running club, Dulwich Runners, who had come from near and far to celebrate this milestone, Chris gritted his teeth and got it done. Chris, who describes himself as being ‘rubbish’ at sports at school, only turned his attention to running at age 37. Perhaps wanting to make up for lost time, Chris has gone on to complete 40 marathons across different continents, with his favourite being the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town, South Africa. Although he was lamenting having not gotten his 10-mile PB under 1hr, he’s still racking up his parkrun achievements, attending 99 different parkruns across five countries and an impressive 90 volunteer credits currently to his name.
When you reach official milestones, parkrun has an online store where you can buy branded milestone merchandise. Next week, when I reach 500 parkruns, I'll be ordering my royal blue 500 club t-shirt and a heap of other goodies :) you can have a look in the parkrun shop by clicking here.
If you log into your parkrun profile, click on Milestone Club Progress to see how you’re progressing. When you reach a milestone a shopping trolly icon will appear saying which milestone club you’ve joined.
With the additional challenges becoming such a big part of the parkrun experience, companies have sprung up that will print your challenges on your official milestone merchandise. Today, one of our regulars showed off her customised shirt, with the flags of countries visited along with her first 100 different events. Citra Print did her shirt, it’s very cool.
Other companies which do parkrun printing include; Shadow of Saint and Oliver's Mama Makes.
Whether you’re running a parkrun in a new country, whether you’re young or old, parkrun is a great way to get outside, stay active and keep clocking up new milestones along the way.
Stay safe, happy running or walking and happy volunteering.
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