Charity run for back pain

A total of 15 runners participated in a marathon named Hospital to Hospital 92 km Challenge, as part of the awareness campaign held by the physiotherapy department from Modimolle’s FH Odendaal Hospital.

The physiotherapy back week campaign kick-started at Mokopane Hospital on Thursday, 13 September with the runners partaking in a race and taking a breather in Mookgophong.

The runners continued their journey in the early hours of Friday, 14 September and finally finished their 92 km quest at the FH Odendaal.

The athletes received a warm welcome when they arrived in Modimolle, with the local bikers forming part of the motorcade.

The razzmatazz on Thabo Mbeki drive caught the attention of other motorists and the local residents.

Upon arrival at the FH Odendaal Hospital, the athletes joined no less than 200 other participants for a 5km fun walk.

The idea was to raise awareness on back pain, to remind and also educate people that back pain could be prevented.

FH Odendaal Hospital physiotherapist Celia Loubser, said disabilities associated with back pain were preventable.

“Recent research shows that the burden of back pain is increasing in the developing countries, of which SA is one of those,” she said.

People were also educated on the simple steps to take, in order to protect their back during their day to day activities.

All in all, the event covered 97kilometres within the Waterberg area, in a bid to spread the message.

— The BEAT