Sunninghill in their running stride
SUNNINGHILL – Local runners take Joburg's toughest half marathon in their stride.
A whopping 41 runners of Sunninghill Striders Running Club completed a run dubbed the toughest half marathon in Joburg.
The Pirates 21k provided great views on its route over three infamous Joburg hills, the final hill topping out at 1 760m above sea level –the highest point in any road race in Gauteng
The weather was cold and breezy in the early morning of 17 February, but this did not deter the Striders from having a great day out. “We have 40 to 50 people who run the Pirates 21k each year,” said the club’s chairperson, Nestor Espinoza.
“It is always lots of fun and good preparation for the marathons and Comrades later in the year.”
Sunninghill Striders saw Clara Betton finish as the first veteran woman in 01:40:48 on the day.
Espinoza was quick to praise the runner, who showed good spirit even while climbing the incredibly steep Northcliff Hill. “We have lots of elite runners but we are a community club at heart. What we value most at the club is that we take part in community activities and stay after the runs to chat about the race and strategy.”
He added that members of many larger running clubs did not even know each other, or greeted each other on the road, but Sunninghill Striders supported each other. This helps them finish runs in even better times.
The club has been around since 2005 and has been growing every year. Espinoza encouraged community members to join the club or perhaps just take part in the club’s first official 10km road race scheduled for 22 September.
The run will start at St Peter’s College. “We are looking for a title sponsor for the run who will commit to sponsoring the run for a few years as it grows big.”
He encouraged anyone interested in sponsorship or finding out more about the club to contact them.
Details: Sunninghill Striders info@sunninghillstriders.co.za
