Runners beat the winter chills
Instead of lying in bed with a cup of hot chocolate in their hands, residents of Emalahleni hit the streets for the Coaldust Roadrunners Ice Breaker run.
On June 13 individuals woke up, kicked their blankets and headed to Highveld Mall in their running gear in preparation of the big contest. Registrations began at 06:30 with people from all age groups eager to participate.
It was exactly at 08:00 when the race started and the runners took to the road.
Almost 400 runners participated in the race. This adventure was divided into three categories namely being the fun run which was 5km, 10km and the 21.1 km race.
The participants warmed up by stretching their muscles in preparation for the main contest. Bongani Simelane was one of the contestants that took part in the 10km race.
This Tasbet Park resident said that it was not his first time being a runner for this competition. He describes this event as an excellent way of exercising in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“I am very excited about today’s race despite this unfriendly weather. I cannot wait to get the finish line where I’m hoping to be in the top 10, that will be my highlight,” said Simelane.
Sisters Thandeka and Mpumi Sibanyoni were also among those that were excited about the race saying: “We are looking forward to every bit of it. We understand it will not be easy but we are definitely ready to shake the cold away and be on our way,” said Sibanyoni.
Seeing all the huge numbers of people who participated in the 10km and 21.1km race respectively, served as a motivation for them to perhaps join the categories next year.
The race was sealed with a heart throbbing moment when Johan Roodt from Pretoria asked for his partner her hand in marriage. Roodt held a banner with the words clearly written “Elma sal jy met my trou?” at the finishing line.
Thanks to the generous sponsors, prizes were over R10 000. With such a successful race, one can only wonder what the 2016 race would be like.
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