08/06/2026
The Australian parkrun family, and our nation as a whole, have lost a tremendous person today. GreenWay parkrun have posted a touching tribute to Professor Richard Scolyer OA. We extend our most sincere sympathies to Professor Scolyer’s family.
Today we remember Professor Richard Scolyer AO, a valued member of the parkrun community who walked, ran and volunteered at our events on 288 occasions. Richard’s home event of GreenWay parkrun in Sydney shared this lovely tribute:
Today, we mourn an extraordinary human being. Richard was many things: a world-leading cancer researcher, Australian of the Year, an amazing athlete, and a man whose courage inspired millions.
At GreenWay parkrun, we were fortunate to have Richard as one of our parkrun community. Richard always encouraged others to ‘have a crack’, and watching him live his life with such joy and enthusiasm inspired so many of us to do the same. We were there to celebrate Richard’s 250th parkrun with him, alongside hundreds of family, friends and his parkrun community.
What stands out most for us is his humility. His kindness. His generosity of spirit. His ability to bring hope to others, even while facing his own adversity. We feel incredibly privileged to have been part of Richard's journey, and that Richard was part of ours.
Our thoughts and love are with Katie, Emily, Matt and Lucy, Richard's wider family, and the many friends, colleagues, patients and fellow runners whose lives were touched by this remarkable man.
Thank you, Richard, for your friendship, your inspiration, your courage and your example.
You will always be part of the Greenway parkrun community.
