#knowyourbenoni – Jan Jordaan runs the show at some marathons
Jan Jordaan, an attorney and Rynfield resident, tells us how running changed his life and how the Benoni Northerns Athletic Club gives him the platform to turn running into a social event.
BCT: What does Benoni mean to you?
JJ: I have been living here for 30 years.
I am happily married and I raised three children in this town.
Benoni proved a good place to do this.
My wife’s name is Marinda, my eldest daughter is Zuleika Zwart, our second daughter is Kanya Wattris and our son, Jean Jordaan, is the youngest.
BCT: Tell us about your education?
JJ: I attended Hoërskool Patriot in Witbank and I matriculated in 1982.
After that, I studied BLC Law and then I completed my LLB degree.
I did an aptitude test and the guy told me I am “obviously best suited for law” but all through my studies, clerk internship, conscription and so forth I didn’t like what I studied, but then I discovered conveyancing.
After that, I am truly one of those lucky people who really is happy with what they do.
BCT: You are a runner. Tell us a bit more about that.
JJ: I have been a member of the Benoni Northerns for 28 years and I have served on their board for 21 years.
I’ve run 26 Comrades Marathons and I also organise marathons for the club.
I have been organising the Rowlin National Night Race – which is a 5, 10 and 15km race – for 10 years.
It is happening on November 1 and it attracts about 3 500 people.
I also organise the Robor Scaffolding Marathon – which is a 5, 10, 21, 42 and 50km race.
It is a Comrades qualifying marathon and attracts about 9 000 people.
Sometimes I think it is hard work to organise these marathons, but then I think how passionate I am about it and it really doesn’t feel like work.
BCT: Why do you love running so much?
JJ: Once you are able to run 10km and have a conversation comfortably, the worst part is over.
It is immensely social and I have never been angry after a run – it is like my personal anti-depressant.
It is still hard work – I train four times a week, sometimes at five in the morning, but it is worth it.
Once you are fit and run regularly, you will discover a whole new world.
You just grow as a person, it is impossible to describe the feeling – you must experience it yourself.
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