The overwhelming atmosphere of joy and unity can be felt the moment one arrives; it becomes clear that the IrunWithThemba Breakfast Fun Run, hosted in partnership with Siga Culinary, is not just another running event; it is a family affair.

Read more: IrunWithThemba and Siga Culinary turn breakfast fun run into a family affair

Recently, when scores of families in Alexandra gathered at East Bank Avenue for last month’s Breakfast Fun Run, the air buzzed with chatter as men and women paced around, preparing to take on the 5km challenge. Most were not alone, having brought their families along, underscoring the fact that the challenge has now become the highlight of many households’ month.

Starting at Siga Culinary, the 5km route led runners straight into Alexandra’s familiar hills, testing their legs and endurance right from the start. Yet nobody seemed to mind. Instead of heavy breathing and silence, participants tackled the course with determination, singing every metre of the way.

Also read: Newcomer finds more than fitness at Breakfast Fun Run

Participant Shoki Lentsoane, who joined with her daughter, said it had become part of their lifestyle. “I see it as something good for my fitness and my health. I am always telling people to come join because it is a healthy way to live. And doing it with my child just makes it better.
Lentsoane said her whole family has embraced the tradition. “When I first brought them along, I did not know if they would like it. But they do. Now whenever there is an event like this, we all go.”

There are all kinds of moments on that 5km course: a daughter holding her mother’s hand, a couple running at a perfect pace, and a granny walking steadily up the hill, all chatting along the way. “Some walk, and others run. No one gets left behind. You can come with your family, boyfriend, girlfriend, or granny. Everyone is welcome. There is no age restriction. You can even come with your baby strollers,” IrunWithThemba coach Nkululeko Mthimkulu said.

Another participant, Mmatsela Mashiane, emphasised that the race was wholesome. “It is nice on the road. We all sing, we support each other. We become united, like one big family.” To top it all off, runners head to Siga Culinary for breakfast after the race. There, they sit together, share plates, and swap stories about the hills they just conquered.

Mthimkulu is urging more residents to join. He noted that IrunWithThemba members trained together every Wednesday afternoon at Kwabhekilanga Sports Grounds, and the big Breakfast Fun Run takes place on the last Saturday of every month.

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