On 5 June 2005, Gerhard Visser attended his very first Run/Walk For Life session. Twenty-one years later, he’s still lacing up his takkies and showing up.
Over the years, Gerhard has walked approximately 8,300 kilometres and completed an impressive 275 Parkruns. Considering that his work often kept him away from home for four to six weeks at a time, that’s an achievement worth celebrating.
Gerhard’s Run/Walk For Life journey began at the Milnerton Branch under Gary and Glenda Lightly. When Vanessa Lawrence launched what is now the Table View Branch, he became only the second member to join—a membership he’s proudly maintained for more than 12 years.
Back in those days, things were done a little differently.
Members had to walk around the field—up to 1.6 km at a time—until the manager decided they were ready to progress to the road. It didn’t matter how fit you thought you were; everyone earned their place the same way.
Of course, after 21 years, it’s not just the kilometres that stand out. It’s the memories.
One Saturday morning, while walking along the Milnerton Lagoon, a young and very attractive lady joined the club.
Gerhard remembers thinking, “Hang on… I could quite happily walk behind those buns for 5 km!”
So he slowed down and let her pass.
Unfortunately, she walked so incredibly fast that he couldn’t keep up with her.
Some battles, it seems, simply aren’t meant to be won.
For anyone new to Run/Walk For Life, Gerhard has one piece of advice:
“If you’ve dressed up, put on your takkies, and arrived at the club, you’ve already won the biggest battle.”
After 21 years, thousands of kilometres, hundreds of Parkruns, and countless friendships, that simple mindset is probably why Gerhard is still going strong.
Congratulations, Gerhard, on an incredible 21 years with the Run/Walk For Life family. Here’s to many more walks, memories, and stories still to come.