A call to action: get moving says parkrun veteran

For years Rondebosch resident Rasheed Hargey was a dedicated cyclist, conquering the Cape Town Cycle Tour 10 times.

However, as the years passed, the thrill of cycling dwindled, prompting him to seek a new challenge.

At the age of 59, Hargey decided it was time to trade in his cycling gear for a pair of running shoes, embarking on a new chapter in his fitness journey.

Now at the age of 66, Hargey reflects on the transformative power of running in his life.

Despite acknowledging that he should have started sooner, he believes there's no better time than the present to lace up a pair of running shoes and hit the road.

Over the past six years, running has taken him on a global adventure to eight international marathons, including iconic races in Chicago, Berlin and Athens.

What captivates Hargey the most about running is the social aspect. Unlike cycling, running allows for easy conversation with fellow enthusiasts along the way. This is by no means taking a jab at cyclists, he says.

“You talk to people along the way, they pass you, you pass them; it’s easy to converse. I have not gone back to cycling.”

His love for the camaraderie on the running trails has kept him committed to this new passion.

Recounting a unique experience in Bangkok, Thailand, Hargey says the marathon began at 12.30 at night due to the intense humidity.

By the time most people were waking up, he had already conquered the race.

His says his goal is simply to beat the cut-off, joking that the longer he runs for, the more value he gets for his money.

“I run six hours instead of three,” he chuckles.

Beyond the thrill and social engagement, Hargey points out the health benefits of running, emphasising that it engages multiple parts of the body and contributes to overall well-being.

On Saturdays, he pays it forward by volunteering at the Rondebosch park run, a community activity he has religiously participated in since 2015.

At the time of writing he had 250 park runs to his name.

Undeterred by age, Hargey nurtures dreams of completing all the major marathons, having applied for Tokyo, London, Boston and New York.

His message to couch potatoes is a call to action: respect and care for your body, start moving, and unlock the abundance of health benefits that an active lifestyle can offer.

In Hargey's world, running isn't just a physical activity; it's a life-changing journey filled with adventure, and the pursuit of personal goals.