The strange in-between season has arrived — holidays are technically over, schools haven’t fully reopened, and motivation is moving at half speed. If your 2026 fitness goals are still sitting on standby, you’re not alone. But across South Africa, thousands of people are choosing not to wait for the “perfect Monday” to start again. They’re showing up on Saturdays — and they’re starting with parkrun.
At Carnival City on the East Rand, every Saturday at 08h00 sharp, parkrun is quietly doing what gym contracts and New Year resolutions often fail to do: getting people moving, consistently, without pressure, cost or intimidation.
Fitness that meets you where you are
Parkrun isn’t about being fast. It’s about showing up.
Whether you run, jog or walk, the weekly 5km parkrun is designed for every fitness level and every age group. Young children walk alongside parents, seasoned runners chase personal bests, and first-timers arrive nervous but leave smiling. The atmosphere is supportive, social and refreshingly free of ego.
Beyond physical health, parkrun delivers powerful mental health benefits. A regular Saturday routine, fresh air, movement and community connection all work together to lift mood, reduce stress and rebuild consistency — something many people struggle with at the start of a new year.
And for Discovery members, there’s a practical bonus too: an easy 300 Vitality points for participating.
How parkrun works (it’s simpler than you think)
Parkrun follows a straightforward two-step process — no hidden catches, no fees.
Step 1: Register
Sign up online at www.parkrun.co.za. Registration is quick and free. Discovery members can access a direct link. Once registered, you’ll receive a parkrun barcode, which you bring along each week to be scanned after crossing the finish line. This records your time, overall position and age-group results.
Step 2: Rock up and go
Put on your takkies, arrive before 08h00, and enjoy the 5km route at your own pace. There’s no pressure to finish within a certain time — and walking is fully welcomed. Parkrun is always free.
Bringing a spouse, child or friend makes the experience even better. Many people use parkrun as a weekly accountability anchor, while others enjoy chatting to fellow participants along the route. The community is famously welcoming.
Many events are also dog-friendly, so your four-legged fitness partner is welcome too — just remember to bring poop bags and clean up after them.
Volunteers play a vital role as well, and new helpers are always encouraged to get involved.
Carnival City parkrun: what to expect
For East Rand residents, Carnival City parkrun offers an accessible and beginner-friendly option. The course is a single-lap, fairly flat trail, making it ideal for first-timers and walkers.
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Start & finish: Behind the casino on Century Road
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Location: Sun Park, Carnival City
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Afterwards: Reward yourself with a coffee or breakfast inside the casino food court
It’s fitness with a social payoff — no rush, no rush-hour traffic, just movement and momentum.
A small weekly habit that changes the year
Starting fitness again doesn’t require dramatic overhauls or expensive commitments. Sometimes it just needs a fixed time, a friendly space and people who are willing to meet you exactly where you are.
Parkrun turns Saturdays into something to look forward to — and over time, those small weekly efforts add up to stronger bodies, clearer minds and healthier routines.
If 2026 needs a reset button, this might be it.
EVENT DETAILS
Date:
Every Saturday
Time:
08h00 sharp (arrive early to park and stretch before the whistle)
Cost:
Free
Venue:
Sun Park, Carnival City
Corner Century and Elsburg Roads, Brakpan
