South Africans put on their running shoes for Kyalami Corner Midrand Striders Half Marathon
The marathon was not just a race but also a celebration of community spirit, empowerment, and resilience, and a powerful reminder of the role sports play in uniting people and inspiring change.
The sun shone brightly as the much-anticipated annual Kyalami Corner Midrand Striders Half Marathon unfolded, attracting athletes from across South Africa in a vibrant celebration of sport and community.
With a rich history spanning 44 years, Midrand Striders showcased their commitment to fitness, inclusivity, and camaraderie, while marking an important day in the calendar – Women’s Day.
The half marathon was not just a race, it was an occasion to honour women and their contributions to society.
Read more: Local running club gears up for annual half marathon
Jointly organised by Midrand Striders and Kyalami Corner Shopping Centre, the event aimed to attract a diverse participant base, prioritise health and safety, and foster community spirit through athletics.
Tsenoli Tiheli, chairperson of Midrand Striders, expressed pride in achieving these objectives, highlighting the collaborative efforts that paved the way for success.
“The race organising team was very excited by meeting the objectives, personally I would like to applaud the team for their tireless efforts and commitment they showed in organising the event of this magnitude,” said Tiheli.
“It was the first time that this event was held at Kyalami shopping centre, and it was always going to be a challenge to attract numbers to the event, but the aggressive marketing efforts paid off.”
In line with their commitment to uplift communities, the event organisers extended invitations to the Diepsloot Athletics Club, allowing their junior athletes to participate in a 5km fun run.
This initiative emphasised the value of inclusiveness and provided young athletes from previously disadvantaged backgrounds with a platform to engage in sport.
The partnership aims to extend beyond the race, fostering long-term development opportunities and support for emerging talent.
Also read: Midrand Striders runner, Vuyiseka Marotya sets new PBs at the Total Sport Two Oceans Ultra Marathon
“Post the event we have been receiving positive feedback from various athletes who partook in the race, commending a well-organised race in all aspects,” added Tiheli. “Athletes’ feedback is a measure used to determine the success or failure of the event.”
However, no event comes without its hurdles. Some athletes raised concerns about dust exposure along certain sections of the route.
“We have noted this and have already put an action plan in place, our athletes must be rest assured that the dust will be suppressed in our 2025 event.” Another challenge highlighted was the tough route profile, often a characteristic of races held in Midrand.
“Well, in Midrand it is very rare to design a flat route, however this was a positive challenge as the tough profile prepares athletes for their upcoming races.”
Participants left the event not only with medals but also with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie that transcended the race itself.
As the dust settles on this year’s half marathon, the Midrand Striders team is already looking ahead to 2025.
The success of this year’s event serves as a strong foundation for future races, with plans to enhance the experience for all participants.
Tiheli expressed gratitude to everyone involved, from sponsors and club members to athletes and local communities, saying, “this event could not have been possible without your support. We look forward to sharing more updates about our upcoming events.”
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