Run Alex Athletic Club’s Themba Bila has returned from Botswana with his head held high, having successfully represented the Watermelon Gang, as the club is known, in an international 10km race on November 15.

Known for his #IrunWithThemba initiative, Bila described the experience as both rewarding and strategic, marking a milestone for the Alexandra–based club.

Read more: Run Alex’s Themba Bila to take on 10km race in Botswana 

Bila confirmed that the team delivered on their plan and completed the fixture safely. Ahead of the race, he told Alex News just how much the event meant not only to him but to the club as well. “It means a lot to me and the Watermelon Gang. This is what hard work and dedication look like: to go out of the country to represent both the team and South Africa,” he said after the race.

For Bila, the race was not only about performance but also about building bridges. One of the Watermelon Gang’s goals was to establish international relationships, an effort he believes will open doors for the next generation of athletes.

Also read: Watch: Comrades Marathon hero helps collapsed runner finish race

The invitation to Botswana followed Run Alex’s strong domestic form, and Bila believes the trip has strengthened ties between clubs across borders. “We intend to build a strong relationship with them so that we can open doors for South African clubs that we run with,” he added.

Looking ahead, Run Alex is already preparing for its next fixture. All eyes are now on the 5km Breakfast Fun Run, set to take place on November 29 at East Bank Ave. The event, hosted by Sketchers and Siga Culinary, promises to blend fitness with community spirit, offering runners a chance to connect over sport and food. The upcoming fun run is the next step in keeping Alexandra’s running culture vibrant, inclusive, and forward–looking.

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