When Alex resident Cathrine Ndaba decided to join what organiser Themba Bila called the ‘first major meet-up of 2026,’ the 5km distance itself was nothing new to her, but the experience was something else entirely.
It was then that it dawned on her that the Breakfast Fun Run, hosted by IrunWithThemba in collaboration with Siga Culinary, is as much about fitness as it is about the community spirit and the vibes.

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Although she occasionally keeps active, Ndaba admitted that the community spirit made the run experience different and worthwhile, something she will ‘most definitely’ be doing again. “One thing that I appreciated is how people, as you go, literally challenge you and give that support that lets us do this,” she said.

Such community spirit has become the hallmark of the IRunWithThemba Breakfast Fun Run, creating an ideal environment for avid runners and newcomers to thrive alike. Ndaba added, “It was just like another morning of normal exercise because that is something we always do in our spare time.” The fact that the fun run was hosted in her own community made it even better. “If you are used to doing these things out of your township, going to 702, Khaya run and all, this for me is convenient.”

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Although the target was 5km, the fun run did not limit anyone; if anything, it inspired some to push beyond their limits and go further. Oscar Mabuza, an avid runner who regularly participates in the fun run and other athletic events, said he joined the team that wanted to cover more than 5km.
“We covered almost 25km. It is something that we probably do every weekend. We hit the target, we still had enough energy to continue, and we did,” he said.

Organiser Nkululeko Mthimkulu was pleased to see participants finish the lap. “We are happy to have finished the 5km that we have done, and we would like for people to please come join us. It is free to do this. It is for your health and strength, and waking up knowing that you are going to do something good.”

He emphasised that the run accommodates everyone, fast runners, walkers, and those with limitations. “When we do it in the township, everyone who is not part of it is encouraged to do it next time. I am sure next time when we do it, it will be packed.”

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