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YUTA COMPLETES 59 PARKRUNS

29/12/2019 01:34:00 BY PHOLSILE HLOPHE

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MBABANE – “Thanks Yuta Kobayashi - 59 runs at Mbabane park run; Hamba Kahle (farewell)”

This was the inscription on top of Yuta Kobayashi’ s cake which was presented to him by Mbabane parkrun organiser Leon Drinkwater yesterday before the Japanese national embarked on his final run in the kingdom of Eswatini. Kobayashi has competed 59 recorded and timed runs plus three which were not timed in the absence of his barcode. Yesterday marked the end of Kobayashi’s stay in the country after spending two years as a volunteer teacher of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) at Masibekela High School in Siphocosini.

The parkrun family joined the celebration and wished him a safe trip back home as they exchanged phone numbers in order to stay in touch and continue with the friendship they shared during his stay. Kobayashi said he was honoured to have been part of the wellness initiative and hoped to implement parkrun in his home town in Shizuoka. Yesterday, he finished the race in 20:56 minutes and was placed at position 16.

second family

“I will always miss this place. Parkrun was like my second family and it had a huge impact in my life. I’m happy to have met such friendly and welcoming people who are devoted to exercising and healthy living. Parkrun just started last year in my country and I hope to implement it in my own home town,” said Yuta.

In the spirit of friendship, Kobayashi shared his cake with the 50 runners who participated in the 138th park run, which was the final edition of the year 2019. He will depart the kingdom on January 3, 2020. Drinkwater also wished Kobayashi a safe trip home and commended him for his devotion in joining the weekly event.

According to parkrun records, the Japan-born runner had a personal best time of 18:49 minutes in the year 2018 and 2019. He obtained position one in parkrun number 75 held on October 13, 2018 and second place after the reigning record holder Nkululeko Gama on September 7, 2019 which was the 122nd edition. On other occasions, he assisted in volunteering as a tail walker or by wearing the timed bib which helps other runners to monitor their finishing time.