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Run Zone Athletics Club motivates as well as helps people train at home

NORTHCLIFF – Local running club posts messages of motivation as well as indoor training.


Gauteng’s largest running club has had to change its approach to the sport after a nationwide lockdown was instituted to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.

Still, Run Zone Athletics Club’s leaders are positive and are sending messages of motivation above and beyond their own running programme tips, which they are now publishing online

“We as South Africans need to stay strong and take the focus from, without being neglectful of, the coronavirus,” said club owner and chairperson, Graham Block.

Smiles abound at Run Zone AC’s races but they have been postponed until further notice. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

“This thing will pass, it is not here to stay. So we need to stay positive.”

This after the first marathon in Joburg’s northern suburbs this side of the millennium, organised by Run Zone, was postponed to a date still to be confirmed.

Despite this setback, Block believes the Joburg North City Marathon will be big when the club does host it.

Run Zone Athletics Club has since moved its running to at home in light of the lockdown. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

In the meantime, Run Zone has made a 21-day training programme community members can do indoors, even if their space is limited. Text and videos explaining how these work will be posted on the club’s Facebook page, titled ‘RUN ZONE A.C www.runzone.co.za

“We will show people how to clear passageways and run down them, or rooms, and pick up items from the ground, place them and keep going. They can run forwards and sideways, and there will be help for squats, jumping, lunges and other exercises that will stretch their muscles.”

Run Zone AC’s Graham Block encourages runners going up a tough hill at the Pirates Half Marathon. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

Block explained that some of these exercises will be new to many runners, and the club is also aware of the need to cater to beginners too. Therefore, they will try to keep routines simple and not too difficult.

Run Zone Athletics Club is based at Northcliff Country Club and has roughly 1 000 members.

Details: Run Zone Athletics Club admin@runzone.co.za; 072 276 9635.

Related Article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/northcliff-melville-times/312570/coronavirus-covid-19-affect-pets-animals/

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