Jura tempts over 2 000

EMMARENTIA – Over 2 000 runners took part in this year's annual Jura event on 27 May.

May 30, 2017

Chantelle Fourie 2 minutes read

Many runners opted to do the Jura as a team.

Over 2 000 Joburgers joined this year’s Hollard Jozi Urban Run Adventure (Jura) to tackle the City of Gold’s greenbelts, with a few strategically placed obstacles, such as a water bridge, slide and dark tunnels.

The annual trail run, in partnership with City Parks, took residents right out of their homes and onto the street, exposing them to the open spaces.

The adventure started early on the morning of 27 May at Marks Park Sports Club and allowed runners to choose between 6km, 12km and, for the more adventurous, 18km, all the way to Alberts Farm and back.

Gugu Dhludhlu finishes the 6km Jura route for the first time.

From skilled athletes to families and teams, the adventure was once again an exciting time for all.

Russell Willis, co-race director, thanked all the ‘adventurous spirits who joined us this weekend for the Hollard Jura’.

“We’re sure that all the urban obstacles had runners walking away with a renewed love for the city we live in and the adventure waiting right in our back yard,” he said.

At the finish line, Robyn van Niekerk, a first-time Jura runner and the first woman to take on the 18km route, crossed the line in one hour and 49 minutes.

“It was such fun. The obstacles were tough, but I will do it again,” she said.

Robyn van Niekerk checks her time after being the first woman to finish the 18km route on the day.

City Parks also entered teams for the Jura but, doing it for the second year, Louise Gordon and Busi Mahlana, both from City Parks, said this year’s obstacles were different from last year’s.

“They change it every year,” said Mahlana.

Miguel Pstana finishes the 6km Jura route.

Willis said the Jura was a trail run with obstacles – not an obstacle course – meant for every member of the family.

True to this, nine-year-old Matt Brodie from Westdene said the obstacles were rather easy. He crossed the 6km finish line along with Sandra and Albert Brodie in bright red matching outfits.

Willis added that Joburg is the biggest urban jungle in the world, so he wants people to get out and use the parks.

Ernest Mathebula crosses an obstacle during the Hollard Jura.

“Most races are far out of town where you have to travel and leave your family behind. It is not always family inclusive. This is why we wanted to bring Jura into the city.”