Local runners unite as Om Die Dorp Run draws record turnout
More than 1 400 runners hit the streets as the Om Die Dorp Run returned for its second year, celebrating fitness and community spirit with record participation across all distances.
The Pierre van Ryneveld Geloofsfamilie in Centurion hosted its second annual Om Die Dorp Run on Saturday morning.
The race welcomed over 1 400 runners to take part in the 5km, 10km, or 21km run, which featured a fast secure route starting and finishing at Pierre van Reyneveld Geloofsfamilie.
Full-time pastor Anandie Greyling says the second Om die Dorp was hosted at the church’s venue by Pierre van Ryneveld Geloofsfamilie and Mad Monkey Adventures.
Greyling said this year pre-entries sold out at 1 550, and organisers expect about 1 800 runners across the distances.
“Last year we had approximately 1 320 finishers,” says Greyling.
She says that according to the hosts, the growth reflects how strongly the community has embraced events created together.
“The best events don’t happen to a community, they happen with a community. For us, church is more than Sundays,” she says.
“It’s a safe place where people belong, where running clubs start their weekly runs, where families come to play, and where doing life together in a healthy and fun way just makes sense,” she adds.
Organisers say that the race would not be possible without the involvement of the running clubs, local CPF, security firms in the area and the community.
Greyling says that planning for future events is already underway, with hopes that more collaborators and sponsors will get involved as these community-hosted events continue to grow.
Among the participants was the oldest blind person, Sakkie Parsons (78), who was guided by his friends Dennis Frost (77) and Robbie Stutterheim (69) throughout the 21km walk.
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