Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) is encouraging people of all ages and fitness levels to lace up their walking shoes and join its race walking section as it looks to grow the next generation of walkers.

Race walking captain Thabiso Nguza lauded the current group for keeping race walking in the club alive, saying they are eager to attract younger members while continuing to welcome anyone looking for a healthy, supportive environment to stay active.

“Race walking is a competitive sport in its own right. I would love to see more people recognise and appreciate it,” said Nguza.

Nguza believes race walking deserves greater recognition as a competitive discipline, saying it requires discipline, endurance, sound technique and countless hours of training, much like running.

She stressed, however, that people do not have to be competitive athletes to become part of the club.

“You don’t have to be a top race walker to join our club,” she said. “Walking brings together people of different ages and abilities. You can start where you are, improve over time and enjoy the journey.”

Nguza encouraged young adults to discover the sport early, saying many current walkers only realised its benefits later in life.

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“Many of us only discovered it later in life. We did not know how beneficial walking could be for our health and fitness.”

She also challenged the misconception that walking is only for older people or injured runners.
“We can all walk, but we can’t all run,” she said.

According to Nguza, every member has a unique reason for joining. Some are looking to improve their fitness, others enjoy the social aspect, while many simply want a safe and welcoming group to exercise with.

She recalled how one former team captain joined after being advised not to cycle following an operation. After attending a single club walk, she was inspired to continue and completed her first 21km race just four months later.

“After her first walk with the club, she was hooked. Within four months, she was doing 21km races.”

The club’s oldest walker is 88 years old, proving that age is no barrier to living an active lifestyle.

“That’s a beautiful example of what an active lifestyle and a positive community can mean,” she said.

BNAC is also hoping to revive walking events later this year, with plans to host a race around October to create more opportunities for walkers to participate and grow the sport.

“Come and walk with us, have fun, challenge yourself and be part of something bigger. You may be surprised where the journey takes you.”

Anyone interested can contact the BNAC on 066 468 3689 or administrator@bnac.co.za for more info.

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