Are you ready to run Joburg?

You don’t need to be Herman Mashaba to run Joburg, you just need a pair of running shoes and a basic guide to road-running to take on the city.

Discovery Vitality has announced the launch of a brand new venture in partnership with four of Johannesburg’s most established running clubs – the Discovery Vitality Run Series.

The series connects four iconic running events in the city of Johannesburg, the popular Old Eds, Wanderers, Randburg Harriers and Rockies road races next month and September.

The Series aims to get more people into running, and includes entry-level distances to encourage people of all ages and fitness levels to take part.

It also hopes to support the running community by contributing to the sustainability of the existing road-running events. The series will kick off on August 6 with the Old Eds Road Race.

While it is the perfect event for Comrades finishers to get going after the “Ultimate Human Race”, beginners can also enjoy a scenic 5km or 10km route.

Mark Mohring, chairperson of the Old Edwardian Athletics Club, says: “We at Old Eds Sports Club are thrilled to be included in the inaugural Discovery Vitality Run Series.

“This event will ensure the sustainability of road running in South Africa for many years to come and we are excited about the role we will be playing in this.”

The second race in the Series is the Wanderers Road Race. The Wanderers Athletics Club began in Johannesburg, and for decades has been a beacon in the local and international sporting world.

The series then moves to the Randburg Harriers Challenge, which was run for the first time in 1984.

The series concludes with the Rockies Road Race, named in memory of running stalwart Gerald Fox, and attracts about 4 000 runners and walkers each year.

The race has taken place at the Johannesburg Zoo over the past six years and R155 000 has been donated to the zoo from race proceeds.

The Rocky Road Running Club was formed in 1975 and is one of the oldest running clubs in Johannesburg.

By creating a series, Vitality hopes to encourage people to develop a healthy habit of running regularly. Runners will receive a limited edition Discovery V

itality Run Series medal at each race. In addition, runners who complete all four races stand a chance to win one of 10 Asics hampers valued at R3 500.

Vitality members will also get extra points. For more information visit discovery.co.za/vitality/runseries.