Social running on the Dolphin Coast

If you are already fearing the few extra kilos for warmth and comfort that tend to find a way onto your hips over winter, then it is the perfect time to take up running.

Granted, not everyone can just step out of the front door and become a Comrades hero.

That is why it is good to know that there are plenty of social running options on the Dolphin Coast if you do not want to attempt this challenge alone.

A few Salt Rock residents started the running group Salt Run last year in October. Bruce Wacher said Salt Run has since grown to a loyal group of between 15 and 20 people joining up every morning for a run along the Dolphin Coast. He said at the moment they have a mixed bag of runners from beginners to advanced.

“We try to encourage new runners to join us so there is a 5km and a 10km route,” said Wacher.

Salt Run uses the Endomondo app to plan routes and runners can preview the route before the run and also follow it on their phones.

“For the more passionate runner who does not mind getting up early, the run starts at Salt Café at 5.15am,” said Wacher.

He said the Salt Run group also do some trail running over the weekends and this seems to be very popular.

“It is really accessible for anyone who just wants to be more active and it’s a great way to start running with a group of people.

“Everyone can stay informed on when and where we are running by joining our group on Facebook where we share all the times and route information,” said Wacher.

Wacher said it has been great to see the passion that some people have for running on the coast. It is because of this passion that Patricia Illife also recently started a branch of Run/Walk for Life for the Dolphin Coast community.

The Run/Walk for Life group is based at the Salt Rock Country Club and runs or walks on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 6.30am.

Iliffe said it is the perfect opportunity for those who have not done a lot of exercise before and would now like to kick things into gear and start an active lifestyle.

“We start out very gently by walking on the field. People who have high blood pressure or high cholesterol can easily join, because everything is monitored,” she said.

For the more committed runner, the Dolphin Coast Striders running club in Ballito is the perfect club to join.

Every Wednesday afternoon at 5.45pm (summer) and 5.30pm (winter) there are time trials for different distances, including 1.6km and 4km walking time trials for the walkers.

The Dolphins has a very social side too, with the pub open every Wednesday after time trials and they host a once a month braai night, month end.

The club arranges early morning runs and longer distance running over the weekends, especially leading up to some big marathon races.

Now you do not have an excuse anymore, put on your running shoes, take up one of these options and get out there!