As Professor Richard Scolyer AO, a former Australian of the Year, completed his 250th Parkrun today, a rainbow appeared in the sky.
This milestone held special significance for the renowned melanoma pathologist who, in March, disclosed that his aggressive brain cancer had returned, giving him only a few months to live.
He has been determined to make the most of his time ever since.
Scolyer was cheered on by family, friends and fellow runners at Haberfield in Sydney’s inner west this morning as he completed the milestone.
“It has been a big goal, to be honest, I never thought I’d get there,” Scolyer said after the run.
“One of the challenges of having cancer is the worry for the future but there’s more to life.
“We’re all going to end up, at some point, we’re going to finish our lives.
“I want to make the most of my time, I don’t know how long it’s going to be.
“To be able to come and celebrate with friends and enjoy their company, it’s really special.
“I’m really touched by how many people came down.”
Scolyer first became involved with Parkrun in the early 2000s but the activity was put on the backburner as life got in the way.
“As the kids go through parts of their lives you stop doing it,” he said.
“Then when I got sick again I wanted to try and get to 250.
“I guess it’s part of my personality, a bit embarrassing, but wanting to get to 250 was something that pushed me along.
“To come down to something like this, people are so friendly, they always cheer you on and have fun.”
Now that he has achieved his goal, Scolyer said his next aspiration would be simpler.
“To be honest, I’d love to be out on my bike a bit more,” he said.
