Runners prepare for December double

Igeja Phansi to run daily in the ongoing fight against GBV – their 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Child Abuse.

18 hours ago

Tamlyn Cramer 2 minutes read

Zo Mbangeni, Ntombifuthi Dlomo, Lue Phiri and Mduduzi Phiri all took part in last year's 10th anniversary Igeja Phansi training run

Igeja Phansi runners are gearing up for a high-mileage December.

A highlight on the group’s running calendar, 1-16 December will see the athletes run daily in the ongoing fight against GBV – their 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Child Abuse.

Over the 16 days, the athletes will run 5km, 10km, 12km or 16km daily.

Nathi Buthelezi, Nompilo Mkhwanazi (both Richards Bay Igeja Phansi runners) and Sizwe Chibi from Ulundi

“This event is open to everyone, from non-runners to professional athletes, men and women,” said Nathi Khumalo, on behalf of Igeja Phansi.

“This challenge is not only about women and children, but men too. Men must speak out. And remember, it’s not only about running and fitness, it’s for a good cause.”

While Igeja Phansi was launched in Zululand, the group has members from around KZN and the country.

Samke MaGubevu Ntuli and Nompilo Mkhwanazi during last year’s training run

Athletes outside the Zululand region take part, posting their daily mileage on the group’s social media platforms.

Khumalo said athletes are, however, encouraged to run in groups for their safety.

“There is also a link created to upload runs, but they must be shown on social media so people see we are against all forms of abuse,” said Khumalo.

There are no specific routes for this challenge, only the daily mileage requirements, so runners have the liberty to arrange their own routes and change them up throughout the 16 days.

Year-end training run

To finish off the year on a fitness high, the annual Igeja Phansi training run takes place on 27 December.

For this challenge, the athletes run either 25km from Mthonjaneni to Ulundi or 50km from Melmoth to Ulundi.

What began in 2015 with five runners saw more than 200 athletes take part in last year’s 10th anniversary training run.

Khumalo hopes for similar numbers this year, if not more.

“The reason for this run is to make sure people don’t lose fitness during the festive season. It’s also a good base training run, especially for those doing Comrades and Two Oceans and early qualifiers.

Tezz Arosi, Igeja Phansi runner from Cape Town

“We don’t leave anyone behind; all runners are welcome, from beginners to fast runners, we cater for everyone.

“The colour of the day will be all the colours of Igeja,” he said, adding that they are aware of the roadworks in Melmoth, and updates will be given in due course.

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