Professor Richard Scolyer completes 250th Parkrun, in a goal set before cancer diagnosis two years ago
Former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer has completed his 250th Parkrun, marking a milestone for the respected melanoma researcher which he set prior to being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2023.
Scolyer, 58, crossed the finish line at Greenway Parkrun at Haberfield on Saturday, to heartwarming applause from the crowd.
He wrote he wasn't sure he would reach the goal in a post to his 20,000 followers on X earlier this week, but nonetheless was glad he was able to take part in the run.
'I guess it's a long way ... 250 5km runs, it's a lot of fun,' Scolyer told 7NEWS, appearing upbeat.
Scolyer said he had enjoyed running with his friend, Kate.
'When I got sick, Kate kindly came down, and yeah, we've done it together every weekend for the last 20 or 30 races. It's great to have her down here today and to jog along with her.'
He went on to call it a big goal, which has now been fulfilled.
'To be honest, I never thought I'd get there,' he said.
'I did a lot of Parkruns in the early 2000s but then as the kids go through various parts of their life you stop doing it.
'And then when I got sick again, I wanted to try and get to 250.
'Wanting to get to 250 is something that pushed me along.'
Tough few weeks
Scolyer was diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma in 2023 and was given just months to live.
However, he has managed to starve off the cancer with a pioneering immunotherapy treatment, which is largely experimental.
In March, Scolyer announced the glioblastoma had grown back in critical parts of his brain.
Scolyer explained he has had a hard time recently.
'I had a period of, I don't know, three weeks that were tough,' he said.
'You probably notice on social media, I wasn't posting as much because of some of those challenges.
'(But now) I'm coming out of the bottom of that cloud, back to enjoying life and doing things that are fun and special, catching up with good friends, spending time with them, at fun events and creating more memories.'
Community support
Scolyer remarked on the near 500 people who were at the park, watching him finish.
'It's amazing seeing this many people come to an event, it's crazy,' he said.
Scolyer said he appreciated the support.
'It's amazing. The course is not set out for that many people ... so we had to squeeze into some corners, so very kind and generous of them to come down and make some sacrifices to celebrate.'
'(It's a) beautiful day,' he said. 'I'm glad we were able to do it without heavy rain and storms coming down.'
'Nice to catch up with so many friends and people that I've met over the years.
'It feels like half the people I know very well. My heart's touched that they've come down to say all the best, cheering me on, and making me feel good.
'To be honest 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 period where we're going to finish our lives and I want to make the most of my time.
'Who knows how long it's going to be.'
Exercise and new goals
Scolyer said he wasn't competing in this year's City2Surf, but he had other goals.
'I'd like to think of a new goal, I'm not sure what it's going to be,' he said.
'I'd love to be out on my bike a bit more. I haven't been riding for months because of various issues related to my treatment.
'I'd like to get back out and doing that again as well as swimming and running wherever possible.
'I love doing sporting activities. I've got many friends who are heavily involved in sports. Which means having the chance to catch up with different people.
'My exercise mates are good friends, and I love spending time with them, enjoying the exercise, and getting together with them and enjoying their company.'
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