21/04/2026
Sherwood Reserve parkrun offers its condolences to Colin’s family and friends, and those at Whangarei parkrun at this sad time.
A tribute to Colin Thorne
Some people leave footprints on a parkrun course. Colin Thorne left them on our hearts.
Colin first joined the parkrun family on 21 January 2017, already in his early nineties, quietly showing the world that it is never too late to begin something extraordinary. Over the next nine years, he completed an incredible 265 parkruns across 21 locations and volunteered 16 times—proof not only of his commitment, but of his belief that parkrun is about community as much as it is about movement.
To see Colin at parkrun was to be reminded of what really matters. He greeted everyone with that cheeky smile, a dry sense of humour, and a genuine warmth that made first-timers and regulars alike feel instantly welcome. He listened, he encouraged, and he inspired—often without needing to say very much at all.
What made Colin truly special wasn’t just his age, remarkable though that was. It was his perseverance. Week after week, year after year, Colin kept showing up, determined to keep parkrunning for as long as he possibly could. Even at 102, he embodied the very best of parkrun: turning up, doing what you can, and doing it with heart.
Running had been part of Colin’s life long before parkrun. He took it up at 64, went on to complete numerous marathons and half marathons, and even ran the New York Marathon at the age of 89—a feat few of us could imagine at any age. Yet despite these astonishing achievements, Colin always wore his success lightly, choosing kindness and connection over accolades.
Colin touched the lives of parkrunners throughout New Zealand and far beyond. His story travelled, but his impact was deeply personal. He showed us that ageing does not have to mean slowing your spirit, that perseverance can be joyful, and that community is built one smile, one step, one Saturday morning at a time.
As we hold Colin close in our thoughts during these tender days, we do so with immense gratitude. Thank you, Colin, for every kilometre, every laugh, every moment of inspiration. Thank you for reminding us that parkrun is not about how fast you go, but about showing up—and about the love you bring with you when you do.
Your legacy will continue to run alongside us, always.
May you rest in peace.
