Born to run free
PARKVIEW – For some, it’s about the energetic release with every step they take. For others, it’s a form of meditation and stress relief. But for most, however, running is a vital part of their lives as they strive for a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Whatever the reason may be, these are the positive aspects that club captain of Ram Rocky Running Club, Matodzi Tshidzumba, wants runners to explore by joining the club.
The club hosts a fun 5km trial run at 7.30am every Saturday which is open to aspiring athletes, as well as the general public – dogs on leashes are even welcome. At every one of these trials, runners attempt to beat the Rockies 5km record which was set by Samuel Sekomphi at 00:14:59 in 2002 for the men’s category. The women’s category record was set by Ronél Scheepers in 1994 in a time of 00:17:59.
In the 25 years that these trials have been run at Zoo Lake, these records are yet to be beaten by Rockies’ new generation of runners. The prize up for grabs is a professional pair of running shoes.
Tshidzumba wants to encourage those who feel that running for kilometres on end is too daunting, to come join a trial run on a Saturday morning and see for themselves what a liberating experience running can be, or else, if they don’t like it, at least they can say that they’ve tried.
“Our club has, by far, the lowest club membership monetary rates,” said Tshidzumba, who is working day in and day out to grow Ram Rockies into the biggest running club around. “We cherish our members and take the best care of them that we possibly can.
“Apart from always having a qualified physiotherapist on standby for our runners, we have also recently acquired revered coach, Zongamele Dyubeni, who will be there to assist whether you want to run five or 50km. He will be there to coach you all the way.”
The cost of joining Ram Rockies is R420 per year, far below the membership costs of many other local running clubs. Membership includes a beginner’s running kit, access to the club’s amenities and free entrance to five local races a year.
New members can also rest easy in the thought that their yearly contribution to the club will also assist in one of its most fundamental goals – developing bright talent among disadvantaged athletes.
Details: www.rockies.co.za
