Saturday, 14th December 2024, marked another milestone in Geoffrey’s remarkable parkrun journey, a story that began at Burgess parkrun on April 21, 2018. Since then, Geoffrey has become a well-recognized figure in the South London running community, an inspiring ambassador for the Ugandan diaspora, and a true advocate for people of all ages and backgrounds in the world of running.
It was through a simple introduction by Josephine Ocaka (Burgess legend) that Geoffrey found himself at Burgess parkrun for the very first time. “I felt so unfit on my first attempt,” he recalls. “But I knew I had to make a change, and parkrun was the perfect choice. It's free, I can do it at my own pace, and, most of all, the community is amazing.” This moment marked the beginning of what has become an extraordinary journey, not just in running, but in connecting with a vibrant, supportive social community.
Burgess parkrun, known for its passionate volunteers and banana-bringing crew, has become Geoffrey’s second home. “Burgess tops the list,” Geoffrey shares. “East or West, home is home. I’m so conversant with Burgess parkrun that I almost know everyone there by their name.” This sense of belonging, camaraderie, and inclusiveness is what makes the Burgess experience so special—not just for Geoffrey, but for all those who participate in it.
From 34 parkruns in 2018, Geoffrey has steadily become a parkrun obsessive, completing 51 parkruns in 2019, all counting towards his 250 milestone today. Additionally, Geoffrey’s involvement in parkrun includes regularly volunteering with a Volunteer ratio of 80%! He has become an integral part of the South London running scene, taking on leadership roles such as Run Director for the Uganda Takeover event at Burgess Parkrun. This event, which takes place in October, coincides with Uganda’s Independence Day, and Geoffrey has made it his mission to lead and inspire others, showcasing his pride in his heritage and his commitment to the community.
Geoffrey serves as a Run Director at the Kennington Junior parkrun, helping to foster the next generation of runners. Whether supporting the young or the old, Geoffrey is dedicated to making running accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and his enthusiasm is infectious.
His journey has inspired so many, and his dedication to supporting his fellow runners has earned him recognition from major brands like Adidas, Puma, and Nike. More importantly, he remains true to his roots, always giving to the community that welcomed him with open arms.
Burgess parkrun truly is a "theatre of dreams," where stories like Geoffrey’s come to life every Saturday. The home support at Burgess is unrivalled, and it’s here that Geoffrey’s passion for running, his pride in his Ugandan heritage, and his commitment to others have created a lasting legacy.
Geoffrey’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when you step out of your comfort zone and commit to making a change. From his first parkrun to becoming a key figure in the South London running scene.
Looking ahead, Geoffrey has an ambitious list of goals for the coming years. “2025, so much on my bucket list,” he says. Some of the exciting challenges he hopes to take on include the Vitality Big Half, the London Marathon, the Chicago Marathon, the Valencia Half, and even a 50k ultramarathon. He also plans to visit a parkrun in Poland (I recommend Zamek w malborku parkrun) and take on a series of pacing duties with RunThrough. And, of course, a personal dream of Geoffrey’s is to help establish a Ugandan parkrun, whoop whoop! Geoffrey’s ambition is clear: he’s just getting started!
Stay well, stay safe and happy running.
Fantastic write up about Geoffrey’s inspirational running journey and community involvement 🤩 Daniela B
love to hear of Geoffrey's journey
Fantastic write up and very inspiring!! Well done F1.
What an inspiring read. Fantastic to hear about Geoffrey. Congratulations to him!