Runners unite nationwide for Run Your City Series Heritage Day Virtual Run
The 2020 Heritage Day celebrations got off to an early start with just over 15 000 runners nationwide taking on the much anticipated FNB Run Your City Series (RYCS) Heritage Day Virtual Run on September 24.
“The run would not have been possible without the support of our phenomenal sponsors,” said Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports.
“Although a traditional mass participation event would always be first prize, the pandemic made this impossible in 2020. Proving that they aren’t afraid of change, our fantastic sponsors welcomed the idea of the Virtual Run and were excited and eager to play their part.
“We are also thankful to each and every runner who participated,” said Meyer.
“I am sure we made history today as thousands of runners wearing Run Your City t-shirts nationwide, showed true South African camaraderie in completing this exciting version of the event. We hope that many runners were able to finish off the day with a braai – to celebrate family, friends and good health.”
PUMA marketing director Brett Bellinger said the run was a fun way to encourage people to be active on Heritage Day.
“We are proud to have added to the excitement with the virtual PUMA Beat Bolt Sprint. We look forward to announcing our overall winners and rewarding those runners who completed the sprint in under 15, 20 or 25 seconds.”
A number of athletes from the Boxer Athletics Club, including Glenrose Xaba, Elroy Gelant and Tanith Maxwell, joined in on the Virtual Run fun.
“I really enjoyed taking part in the RYCS run,” said Glenrose Xaba.
“I enjoyed having something to train for again. Although it wasn’t a ‘traditional race’ where I would see my competition, I knew that they would be running so I still gave it my all. I also saw a lot of runners in their event T-shirts completing their runs. It was very special.”
According to Elroy Gelant, the run was a lot of fun.
“I joined a group of teachers from the Dagbreek Primary School in Carletonville. They were so committed that they literally marked out a 10km route that even had water points that were manned by learners and parents. It felt good to experience the vibe of a race again.”
“I loved every minute of the RYCS Heritage Day Virtual Run, from training beforehand to running on event day,” said Tanith Maxwell.
“I realised today just how much I missed racing. It was amazing to feel that buzz again.”
When entering online participants could choose to support the following FNB RYCS Charities: Cotlands, Johannesburg Heritage Foundation, Johannesburg SPCA, Reach For A Dream Foundation, TREE, Durban & Coast SPCA, LIV Village, iThemba Lethu, help2read, Die Burger Kinderfonds and The Cape Of Good Hope SPCA.
