UJ Future Walk takes to the streets
The annual walk raises funds that supports underprivileged students and those academically deserving.
More than 500 participants took part in this year’s 2024 University of Johannesburg (UJ) Future Walk.
The event was co-hosted by Lucky Star and since its inception, has raised more than R2 million to support underprivileged and academically deserving students.
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This year the walkathon took place at the UJ Bunting Road Campus and raised more than R400 000. This annual event aims to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise funds for UJ students, and foster a sense of community.
The day featured a variety of activities including a 2.5km, 5km, or 8km walk/run, followed by energising aerobics sessions led by fitness icons Connie Ferguson and King of Squats.
Participants of all ages enjoyed the scenic campus routes and the lively atmosphere created by the UJ Sport team and Lucky Star Heartbeat Sessions. Entrants started off the day with warm-ups led by Virgin Active fitness instructors.
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Post the walks, they enjoyed robust aerobics classes with Ferguson, King of Squats, and Soweto Gym instructors who work with Lucky Star’s Heartbeat Sessions. Ferguson thanked UJ and Lucky Star for the opportunity to be part of this experience with the UJ community. “I enjoyed the walk, the trail was interesting, especially with the steep downhills,” she said.”
She added a lot of people have mental health issues due to work and studies, so being active helped a great deal.
Ferguson said the best way to get rid of stress was to be active in sporting activities and join a community of people who take wellness seriously. “It is something to be commended, that people managed to get up early in the morning to be part of the UJ Future Walk on a Saturday,” said Ferguson, after walking 6.8km.
Reflecting on the event and the turnout, UJ vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, commended the participants who joined the walk. “The weather was perfect, and the turnout and the number of sponsors who supported the UJ Future Walk were greater than in the past.
“Good health is wealth, and we are here for exactly that – to work on our wellness, and interact with students and colleagues, as we raise funds for our students who do well academically, but can’t pay full tuition fees. It is for a good cause.”
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