Runners will lace up their running shoes and hit the streets in the ninth edition of the #5MallsBirthdayCelebration training run on Saturday, March 28.

The 43km reverse run, organised by Brothers and Sisters Hood Running Group, is a must-do for runners prepping for major events such as the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons.

According to Teboho Molebatsi, the group’s training route and schedule planner, the 5Malls run was the brainchild of William “Ashinthwela” Monyamane and Silas Phoshoko.

“The idea started in 2020 when races were still off the cards due to Covid-19 lockdown rules. It was a way for people to stay fit and connected,” he said. The run also celebrates Phoshoko’s birthday, making it an extra special event.

From the early hours of the morning, runners are bused to Waterfall City, where the day’s challenge begins at 05:30 with a mass start from the Mall of Africa. The route takes participants through five malls, including Fourways, Northgate, Clearwater, and Westgate Shopping Centre, and finishes at Horizon View Virgin Active.

“We are proud to also say the current South African Marathon champion, Bennet Seloyi, graced our eighth edition as part of his training before he went to get second position in the 2025 Two Oceans half marathon.

“In 2020, we were roughly 15 to 20 runners with about three or four cars seconding, but now it has become popular among the running community. It is quite a tough race, especially passing the 33km mark at Clearwater, because now you will be starting to climb the hills of Roodepoort.

“This is a good training for those looking to do well in their ultra-marathons,” Molebatsi added.

This year’s theme is lime green, and there will be water points every 5km until the 15km mark, then every 3km after that, and there will be support along the route.

To register, interested runners can send a WhatsApp with the words “5malls” to 061 505 2563.

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