GALLERY: It’s a day of races!

Just keep running. That is what runners told themselves as they took on Roosevelt Park’s long hills again and again, and again, at the Cell C Day of Races.

There was nothing but running all day long, as the inaugural event drew 4 700 runners on 28 August. The theme of the day was ‘find your fit’, and instead of having one enormous run, the idea was for runners to take part in one of five start waves spread throughout the day, before the elite race that was for invited athletes only.

The waves divided the event up into portions, which some runners applauded as it made registration, parking and running easier than most runs of this scale.

First was the ‘pretty fit’ wave, for women only. Organisers described it as being about getting women together to celebrate life, health and fitness. The second was the ‘pace makers’ wave, for athletes 50 years and older – who set the pace in their heyday.

The third was the ‘sole mates’ wave, for those who cannot be separated, including spouses, best friends and family members. The fourth wave was for the ‘young, fast and free’ athletes under 18 years. The fifth wave was ‘anything goes’, for those who didn’t want to be placed in a box.

All the races were 5km and had the same route – which although hilly, could not prevent everyone from having a blast.

“The atmosphere is great, and the event is well organised,” said a delighted Joy Tupholme, who ran with Sharise Smith and their dog, Romeo, in the sole mates’ wave. “Thanks to the waves there isn’t an overwhelming crowd, entry was quick and the parking is secure.” Kaho Daniel ran the pretty fit wave with some friends and joked that the best part of the race was knowing they had reached the half-way mark.

Friends Thabisile Mampa and Koena Manamela said the race was exciting, and although they got lost at one point, they found their way in the end.

Mbongeni Ngxazoza was the first man to finish the elite race, in 00:13:59, and Lebogang Phalula was the first woman in 00:16:13.

Funds from the event go to the Unogwaja Charitable Trust, which supports the education of underprivileged youth.

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