Minister of Police, Bheki Cele instructed residents that there will be no running and no walking of dogs.
However, you can’t keep an avid runner down (or locked down).
All over the country, runners are doing crazily long runs in their gardens and taking on challenges which can only be described as mind-boggling.
Well known trail athlete, Bennie Roux did a 42,2 kilometre trip in his backyard on the very first day of lockdown, and on day nine did a whole Comrades Marathon of 90km.
This has inspired athletes all over South Africa to do backyard challenges.
Vryheid Athletic Club has launched its own 5km a day backyard challenge, to encourage local runners to stay fit and motivated.
The club encourages all Vryheiders to join them.
All you have to do is run 5km in your yard and post a picture of your run to the club’s Facebook page, so others can see what you are up to.
VAC started this week with a couple of athletes posting pictures of their watches, after completing their respective runs.
Some are doing treadmill runs, while others are running around their gardens.
Jeanine Theron did her first 5km run in her garden, running a route of about 125m approximately 40 times.
According to her it was really tough, especially mentally, but loved that her children could join in on some of the rounds.
Jeanine added it was the best feeling to finish and found it very motivating to know others were also joining in.
Danie and Petro Nelson also have a super testimony on how inspired they were by all the photos fellow athletes sent via WhatsApp, and decided to measure out a route around their house.
Danie measured 140 metres, so they had to run (Petro) or walk (Danie) their route 35,7 times to fit in their 5km distance this morning.
Petro said they changed direction every 1km to avoid getting bored. She added starting at 10am on Monday morning made for a really hot run. “Well done, Danie and Petro, for making it and also inspiring us all.”
Other VAC athletes are also following a fitness programme which Ronel Delport and Fanie Labuschagne have initiated.
Ronel normally does a high-intensity interval training programme from her gym.
In these lockdown times, she has now formed a WhatsApp group where she sends the day’s programme and a short video explaining the exercises.
Those who are interested or want more information can contact her at ‘Vicky’s gym’.

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