Drumblade parkrun turns every Saturday into Mandela Day

While Mandela Day calls on South Africans to dedicate 67 minutes to serving others, volunteers at Drumblade parkrun give their time every Saturday to keep the community moving.

Each week, between 15 and 20 volunteers arrive before participants to prepare the course, welcome newcomers, marshal the route, record finishing times and cheer on walkers and runners.

Their efforts make it possible for between 80 and 120 people to take part in the free and inclusive 5km event, which promotes exercise, friendship and community spirit.

This year’s Mandela Day weekend highlighted how small acts of service can leave a lasting impact. At Drumblade parkrun, giving back can be as simple as offering encouragement, sharing a smile or giving up a Saturday morning to help others.

The event also celebrated one of its most meaningful traditions – the planting of milestone trees. Participants who reach official parkrun milestones are presented with trees bearing their names and milestone dates.

During the Mandela Day weekend, two participants marked their 250th parkrun milestones by planting commemorative trees.

Around 260 milestone trees have been planted at Drumblade parkrun to date, creating a growing legacy of perseverance, achievement and community.

“What makes Drumblade so special isn’t just the beautiful route – it’s the people,” said Event Director Cheryl Jansen van Vuuren.

“Every Saturday we have an opportunity to make a difference, one parkrun at a time. Whether you’re volunteering, walking, running or simply cheering someone on, you’re helping to build a community where people feel seen, supported and inspired. That’s a legacy Madiba would be proud of,” Jansen van Vuuren added.

For those who attend, Drumblade is more than a parkrun. It is a place where strangers become friends, milestones become memories and small acts of service continue to make a difference.