Pick n Pay Junior Road Running Series a huge success
Youngsters take to the streets.
The Pick n Pay Junior Road Running Series is an initiative of Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) and Pick n Pay, aimed at developing young athletes in previously disadvantage areas.
A race was held at Buluthando Park, in Ekurhuleni, on May 24 hosted by KwaTsaduza Athletics Club.
With just fewer than 2 000 participants, Lena Toka, of Pick n Pay group marketing, was very happy with the turnout.
“I am happy that the parents of KwaThema came out in numbers to support their children, because, previously, parents would send their children to attend the races alone,” she said.
This, according to Toka, is a sign of growth and improvement for the race.
“The race was a huge success and had a great turnout; planning for the event had its challenges, but it turned out remarkably well,” said KwaTsaduza’s development coach, Mandla Mabena.
Mabena added that they have noted where improvements need to be made for the next race.
The event had two categories: the 2.5km distance for u-11s and the 5km for u-14s.
The youngest participant in the 2.5km race was 18-month-old Samkelo Zulu, who seemed to be having fun on the day, accompanied by his parents.
Pick n Pay also provided snack packs for the children after the event, and there were lots of other prizes such as books, T-shirts, sandals and shoes.
All these goodies were presented during the prize giving ceremony, by Toka, together with CGAs’ development officer, Boyce Joko.
The top five finishers in each category received Pick n Pay vouchers and medals.
One of the campaigns driven by the race is road safety, therefore 20 Metro Police officers and medical personnel, provided by NEMS, were along the route during the race, to ensure safety for all.
