‘The Colin Thorne effect’: Gisborne parkrunners inspired by Whangārei centenarian

Colin is pictured here being cheered at the finish line. It was Colin’s first parkrun event since turning 100 on January 14 and Gisborne Parkrun organisers were delighted to have him in the field. Colin joined the exclusive “100 Club” — those to have completed 100 parkruns — at 98, having completed his first only five years prior. Not surprisingly, he is the oldest person in that club. Pictures by Pauline Dinsdale

Whangārei veteran Colin Thorne was the star attraction at the Gisborne parkrun event on Saturday as the 100-year-old knocked off his second event since hitting the century mark.

Colin made international headlines when he became the oldest parkrunner in history to join the 100 Club (those to have completed 100 parkruns) at the age of 98.

On Saturday, two weeks after celebrating his 100th birthday on January 14, he knocked off another parkrun, this time in Gisborne alongside his daughter and son-in-law (Pauline and Rob Dinsdale).

Colin only took up running at the age of 64 after years playing rugby, hockey and cricket.

“I thought I would just give it a go,” he told The Gisborne Herald.

Then, after 49 marathons and 102 half-marathons, he switched to parkruns to keep active at the age of 93.

He is on a mission to visit as many parkrun events as he can in other parts of the country.

Colin enjoyed the Gisborne run.

“It was a lovely course with lovely people. They spoiled me rotten. I had quite a good walk, It was a beautiful day.”

His next run is at Cornwall Park in Auckland on Saturday week.

Gisborne parkrun event director Alison Moorcroft said Saturday’s event was inspirational for many.

“It was a beautiful morning to welcome our special guest, Colin Thorne . . . and our parkrun community showed our support for Colin by dressing in black.

“Black is the parkrun 100 milestone colour, so fits Colin to a tee. Many of the parkrunners and parkwalkers of all ages were inspired by Colin and his story.  We had a record attendance of 144 people completing the course with Colin.”

After reaching the finish line to a cheering guard of honour for his 176th parkrun, Colin was presented with a banner on which participants and volunteers had signed and written messages of support.

“There were loads of people who commented that Colin epitomises what parkrun is all about  — coming together to be active and social at any age or fitness level. We really hope Colin is able to tour around other parkruns in NZ. We’ve coined a term — ‘the Colin Thorne effect’. He’s amazing — 100 years old and walking five kilometres almost every Saturday.”