Groeneweide Parkrun

Groeneweide Parkrun is a weekly 5km community event held every Saturday morning at Groeneweide Farm in Franskraal just outside Gansbaai. Free, fun, and friendly, the one-loop route has stunning views of farmland, trees, mountains and the distant Atlantic Ocean. Whether you walk, jog, run or crawl, you can travel at your own pace. Although times are recorded and sent to you for your benefit, everyone who finishes the Parkrun is a winner, whatever their placing! If the physical activity is not for you, Groeneweide Parkrun welcomes volunteers and spectators because every fantastic event needs a solid backup crew and enthusiastic fan base! So grab your walking or running shoes, load friends, family and work colleagues into the car, and see you at the Groeneweide Parkrun!

Please note that Groeneweide Parkrun is a non-profit organisation and does not allow sales and advertising along the route or at the start and finish areas.

About

Groeneweide Parkrun forms part of a global event on Saturday mornings at more than 2,000 locations in 22 countries across six continents.

Founded by Paul Sinton-Hewitt on 2 October 2004 at Bushy Park in London as Bushy Park Time Trial, the event name evolved to become Parkrun in 2008.

South Africa joined in 2011.

The Course

The Groeneweide Parkrun’s trail path is precisely 5,000 meters (5km) long, determined using a measuring wheel).

Depending on their availability, marshals and signs will be positioned along the route to inform participants of any debris on the trail that could occur when it rains.

Route Layout

The race route begins beside the tortoise sanctuary on Groeneweide Farm.

It starts with a gentle climb for the first kilometre towards the charming Brunia House, designed in the classic Overberg style. From there, the route loops around "Orrelkop" before leading participants into the breathtaking Four-Waterfalls Amphitheatre, protected by Aasvoelkop. Along the way, runners can enjoy a panoramic view of the Uilenskraal Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean, with Dyer Island in Shark Bay as a stunning backdrop. The path winds through the fynbos, occasionally shaded by exotic trees, and eventually passes beneath Tafelkop, the highest peak of the Franskraal mountains.

Finally, it descends to the lower part of the farm and loops back towards the farm buildings, where the course concludes.

Amenities

Groeneweide Parkrun enjoys the following shared amenities:

Restaurant
Children’s Play Area
Petting Zoo
Restrooms
First Aid
Parking

Reviews

“Groeneweide Parkrun is one of the loveliest Parkruns I've been to. I loved its quirkiness and the friendly volunteers. Bruce's Seat was a lovely touch to the run. Beautiful scenery. It is challenging enough with the uphills.” Tamzin Glass

“Pragtige omgewing met baie interessante uitleg. Dis nogal uitdagend met heelwat opdraendes. Love it!” Johanna Matthee

“The Groeneweide Parkrun is my favourite. Out in nature with a decent elevation of 91m (for beginner and intermediate walkers and runners). The trail is very well looked after, and you can enjoy the scenery without being concerned about falling. There is a restaurant where you can enjoy coffee after the run. The venue has farm animals roaming around (chicken, geese and goats). I will be back, and it is a drawcard for me for future weekends away.” Etienne Bosch