Sunninghill Striders Running Club invites the community to take part in morning runs and time trials

Sunninghill Striders Running Club (SSRC) is back on the go with exciting club runs, early morning runs and time trials.

In fact, members had never really stopped running as a result of Covid-19 explained club captain, Melissa Combrink. “Throughout lockdown many members ran in their gardens or driveways,” she said.

“Although we were not allowed to run as a club, SSRC created various challenges to maintain virtual togetherness and motivation among our members. With the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, our members are indeed happy to run together again.”

Combrink encouraged the communities to join the time trials each Tuesday evening at 6pm from St Stephens Church in Sunninghill.

Morning runs are held from Sunning Gardens, Sunninghill Village and sometimes Cambridge Crossing in Paulshof. The times and venues are confirmed on a WhatsApp group during the week but they are generally at 5am and 5.30am. The club runs are specially organised now and then.

“Although we organise early morning runs, these are not yet well attended. One of the reasons for this is that many of our members still work from home which provides great flexibility to what time during the day they run,” she added.

“Generally, the overall fitness level of runners after hard lockdown decreased, and the average weight of our club probably also increased with a kilogram or two. Runners train for specific races and for specific distances.”

When the Comrades Marathon was cancelled this year, it impacted the motivation of runners to train. This ultramarathon also signifies the start of the winter months when some runners take a break.

“There were exceptions with some club members who still trained to chase and achieve personal best times on 5km, 10km and 21km distances.”

Combrink encouraged the community to join the club now that races can be held again. “Sunninghill Striders is in its core a community running club. Although we encourage community members to become signed up members, we also allow community members to join our runs even though they are not members.

“Over and above the opportunity to make new friends and sense of community, running with a club also provides an opportunity to learn from seasoned runners. There is also safety running in a group.”

Details: Sunninghill Striders info@sunninghillstriders.co.za