Midrand Striders needs help to host running race

Midrand Striders, a community-based running club, has offered a home for all sorts of runners in Midrand and surrounding areas since 1983.

The club will host their annual 21km/10km/5km running races that will be held in August.

The running club reported that they have enjoyed significant growth over the past couple of years, yet was able to stay community-based and intends to keep it so. “We have introduced a Comrades Training Run which we host every year and the success of this run has inspired numerous other running clubs to offer a similar run,” said Midrand Striders race convener, Lwazi Khumalo.

In a media statement, Midrand Striders said the income they usually make from this yearly event is utilised in various ways. They regularly use it to sustain the club and services provided to its runners. The income also funds their development runner programme which assists runners who are keen to run but do not have any financial support to do so.

The club aims to develop runners and their running careers and it has grown over the years from 15 runners to 235 runners. The running club has been lucky enough to be a part in the running careers of various Comrades, Two Oceans and other South African marathon champions.

Unfortunately, Midrand Striders has not been able to secure a sponsor for the upcoming race in August and it might force them to cancel the event. Khumalo said,”Cancelling the event would impact the club in numerous ways. “Firstly, the club would lose the race date for the following year [CGA regulations].

“Secondly, the club would lose credibility in the running community possibly affecting membership numbers and lastly, the club’s main source of income is generated from this race, not having this income will negatively affect the services the club offers its members, especially the development runners who heavily rely on the club for running shoes, race entries and other race-related expenses.”

Khumalo added that the club’s way of giving back to the community is donating sports equipment to local schools to promote sports as an active lifestyle. Having no income would also force them to not be able to continue with the programme, hence they are appealing for donations from the community to assist them in any possible way to make the event successful.

For more info you can email info@midrandstriders.org.za

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/205864/midrand-striders-seeks-to-grow-its-family/