Midrand Striders leader calls for the safety of runners

She is tall and has a striking figure which could easily mistake her for a model.

However, Michelle Acton is far from the modelling world. She is a mother of three and the current chairperson of the Midrand Striders Running Club. She attributes her slim figure to running, which she said has become part of her life.

Acton has been living in Midrand for the past 34 years.

She joined the running club 10 years ago and was elected chairperson in January this year after being a deputy for the whole of last year. “I am really enjoying being part of the club. We have a great committee. Running is easy and I just love it. It’s very social and you meet different people,” she said.

A healthy life is not the only benefit Acton receives from running. She also met her husband at the club. She said he was one of the members of her running group who she became friends with before they had a relationship. “We run together, that is the fun part of it. Couples can do it together, including families,” she said.

She has run and finished eight Comrade Marathons since joining the club. “I couldn’t take part in last year’s Comrades because I was pregnant. However, I ran other races throughout my pregnancy until I gave birth in August,” she said.

She said the biggest challenge they face as runners in Midrand is the lack of sidewalk space to run on, which has resulted in casualties, including the death of one of their members, Leon Baker who was killed in a hit and run. Baker, who was also the men’s captain of the club, died after being knocked over on Summit Road on 4 July while on his morning run.

“It was a very devastating incident for the club. He was a good friend of mine. We hosted a race in his memory to celebrate his life and also to raise awareness about the incidences of runners being knocked down by cars,” said Acton who added that the club has reflector gear and communicate in a WhatsApp group when running, to ensure the safety of runners. “I would advise runners to run in groups, leave valuables at home and don’t wear earphones so that you can be aware of your surroundings,” she concluded.

Also check out:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/183269/midrand-striders-run-for-leon-baker-at-arthrochoice-half-marathon/

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/194214/midrand-striders-60km-training-run-to-begin/