‘I’ll run until I die’ – new Harriers chairperson

He’s completed seven Comrades Marathons and says he’ll run until he dies, yet describes himself as a social runner who does not take running too seriously.

This is the new chairperson of Randburg Harriers, Jacob Shayi, who enjoys a beer with friends after a run and does not place much emphasis on improving his times.

“I’ll be the first to admit we’ve lost some of the fun element from running clubs since the pandemic, and my first goal is to bring that back,” explained the man as he laid back on his couch in the comfort of his Boskruin home during an interview.

Wearing slops and the Harriers top and cap, one can see immediately Shayi is a people’s person and easy to get along with.

This is exactly what the running club at Randburg Sports Complex needs if it wants to revitalise the club running scene in Joburg.

“Since the pandemic, many have not renewed their membership at running clubs but now they are missing out on socialising and encouragement from others at runs. I would encourage people to join Harriers and I intend to call up every former member. People want to feel valued and that is what we are about.”

Shayi is the head of market surveillance at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is used to keeping a close eye on things. But running is his outlet and method to de-stress.

“I used to be a student in England and the student life revolved around the pubs. Some of that stayed with me when I came back to South Africa. I was running a bit on my own and, thankfully, a friend invited me to a half marathon. I did that in 2012 before I even ran a 10km, and I was hooked. The next year I ran my first Comrades. I’m a social runner but there is no doubt running improved my lifestyle.”

Details: Randburg Harriers secretary@randburgharrirs.co.za; chairman@randburgharriers.co.za

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