Nedbank running the Avo scene
#RunForAvos initiative launched in Sandton; expected to travel across the nation.
The George Lea Sports Club in Sandton served as a launching pad for the Nedbank running club’s #Run4Avos initiative on August 2. Runners were invited to participate whether they were members of the running club or not, creating an all-inclusive environment for fitness enthusiasts to enjoy one another’s company.
The fun-themed marathon was attended by some prolific names in the South African entertainment industry including South African comedy legend David Kau and the initiative’s ‘mascot’ Jerry Mtonga who initiated the marathon by taking the early lead at the 5km race kick-off mark.
“Running is a sport for all. We aim to create an experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family, from social runners or walkers who want to stay fit, socialise, or simply enjoy a healthy lifestyle and improve their sporting ability,” Mtonga said.
“I don’t want to be running willy-nilly. I want to run to change the world and make an impact or run to save something, one step at a time and one cause at a time.”
Kau added, “Avos is almost like a currency. You can get, or win, or stand a chance to win a hundred-rands worth of Avos which you can trade to buy running shoes or whatever. It’s almost like a digital currency, the most well-known is Bitcoin, right?”
According to Nedbank executive head of group marketing Nthabiseng Matshekga, #Run4Avos aims to uplift the running community’s spirits through running challenges that are open to all members of the public.
“#Run4Avos is more than a run for a cause – it is an opportunity for participants to earn an Avo SuperShop voucher and discover the ultimate online shopping experience,” Matshekga said. “We love having Jerry lead this with passion and look forward to having people participate in this exciting initiative.”
The marathon was well attended by runners from all across Gauteng including Ipeleng Khunou who runs marathons regardless of having been born with disabilities which he refuses to keep down.
“I’ve been a runner since 2017, and I joined the Nedbank running club in 2019,” said Khunou. “It’s been amazing. It’s given me experiences that I might not have gotten to experience because of stigmas, being a person living with a disability.”
The event will also be hosted in Durban on August 15, Pretoria on August 17 and Cape Town on August 31.
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/324580/the-results-are-in-running-proven-to-significantly-improve-mood/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/319240/long-distance-trail-running-how-to-prep-push-through-and-finish-on-top/
