Waterfall runners get back on the streets

WATERFALL – Sandile Gxavu is confident starting this early with their first run for the year will help runners prepare better for the racing season ahead.

January 18, 2022

Ofentse Ditlopo 1 minute read

Relebogile Mohatlane is happy to return back to running with fellow club members. Photo: Lunga Silandela

As a way to usher in the new year, Waterfall City Athletics Club members took to the streets of Waterfall to run for the first time this year.

The training officer for the club, Sandile Gxavu said the weekend run was their long run which is hosted by the club every Saturday at 5:00.

Waterfall City Athletics Club runners Machemo Masekoameng and Sharon Ntshangase are excited to be back on the streets as they do their first run of the year. Photo: Mfundo Dlamini

Gxavu said the club sent out a weekly training programme consisting of different types of training sessions which included speed sessions, strength training sessions, and long runs for endurance training.

He added that the club also hosted a Time Trial (the club’s flagship speed training session) every Wednesday at 18:00 in Waterfall Park.

Kuye Mthethwa puts focus on his pace as he runs to the finish line. Photo: Lunga Silandela

“We believe that starting early in the year is not just to honour our New Year’s resolutions.

“It allows runners to put in those very important slow and easy runs which build a strong base for runners to train ahead of the hectic racing season in March and April,” said Gxavu.

Nyiko Ngoveni goes solo and keeps his pace steady as he heads to the finish line. Photo: Mfundo Dlamini

Gxavu said members had a chance to either do a 10, 20, or 30km run on the day.

For those who wanted to keep their fitness goals alive this year, Gxavu said joining them was easy as all their training runs were free and open to non-members.

“People can follow the club’s social media pages and will be able to see the posters with details on our training runs.

Simon Phiri cannot wait to get to the finish line. Photo: Lunga Silandela

“A link will also be posted for members and non-members to register for the next run so that the club can manage the number of people coming to our training runs.”

Furthermore, Gxavu said people could also visit their club’s website for more details on how to join the club. “Waterfall City Athletics Club caters for everyone young, old, and beginner to elite runner.”