The challenge started at 5am, with runners coming from as far as Pretoria, Krugersdorp and the Vaal. Runners from the local clubs also took part in the Challenge.
The run started at Corner Motsiri, proceeded via Mall of the South and ended back at the starting venue.
KAC chairperson Lehlohonolo Motloung explained the purpose of the Challenge.
“As the year comes to an end and as we are approaching January, it is also a time for families to reconnect, for friends to come together and for people to recoup from the long year,” Motloung said.
“It is also the time when people make promises to themselves about plans to accomplish, including spending time with families, looking after their health, what are they going to do with their education, and including travelling. This is how we as KACs see how health and fitness should be going in 2018.”
He said the run succeeded in bringing people together from around the province to share ideas on how to plan for the year ahead – including how to take care of their health.
This was a ‘long slow distance’ event aimed at helping athletes and joggers to maintain their health and fitness goals going into 2018.
“The long slow distance run gives runners’ joints and muscles endurance to tackle more mileage,” said Motloung.
The runners were separated into three groups: top runners, moderate pace and slow runners from start to finish.
Water stations were organised to give runners an opportunity to regroup.
Popular ‘bus drivers’ Lesedi Athletics Club (Vosloorus), Gallopers Athletic Club (Leondale/ Phumula), Nedbank Athletic Club and Ubuhle Athletic Club (Thokoza) graced the run with their presence and were very helpful with assisting runners to pace themselves to the finish.
Ekurhuleni Cycling Club also provided much-needed back-up for runners.
“We were overwhelmed with the support received at our training,” said Motloung. “This annual 31km Challenge has grown so significantly that we are now considering taking it to Huntersfield Stadium for the safety of our runners and still to maintain the running fever that comes with running on this day.”
