Dolphins take new strides

The Dolphin Coast Striders kicked off their new time trial route last Wednesday, with over 50 enthusiastic runners and power-walkers hitting the road to beat their personal bests.

The new routes all start and finish at the Striders’ new Salt Rock Country Club home, with 2km, 3.5km and 5km distances on offer to runners of all levels of experience and ability.

“In the past, we had a 4km and an 8km time trial, but we wanted to broaden the options open to runners in order to encourage more people to join us and take part,” said Dolphin Coast Striders committee member, Sarah Swainson.

“It sounds intimidating, but the intended purpose of these time trials is for people to measure themselves over time in order to see consistent improvement at their own pace.”

Swainson said that while most runners will do the 5km route every week, the shorter routes offer the perfect opportunity for beginners and those returning to fitness to get involved without being put off from future runs.

“We have seen a steady increase in membership in recent months, and increased exposure through social media and our weekly newsletter is bringing in new members,” said Swainson, who said the move to the larger Salt Rock Country Club was made in order to accommodate their growth.

She said members could look forward to a challenge for the fastest and most improved runners coming soon.

The club is also home to a number of speedy gonzales, such as Petros Zweni, who ran the 5km in 13 minutes and 25 seconds on Wednesday.

Zweni’s personal best for this short distance is 13 minutes and 14 seconds, but is also a veteran of the long and unforgiving Comrades Marathon, which he ran in an electric time of six hours and five minutes in 1998.

After the time trials, members enjoyed a prize giving and live music as they celebrated their new home.

On the last Wednesday of every month, the club will also host a braai night for all members, which makes the time trials as social as they are serious.