A run was never more aptly named than the Run Zone Fairland Walk Ice Breaker.
More than 2 000 thickly-dressed community members jogged on the spot and rubbed their shivering hands together at the starting line at 7am on 21 July, while the temperature was in the single-digit Fahrenheit.
But when the horn sounded for the start, runners warmed up quickly on the road for 5km, 10km and 15km runs.
The inaugural event was still a huge success despite the cold, seeing runners of all ages and families attend in their masses.
“There has been an amazing turnout here today,” said Graham Block, race director and owner of Run Zone Athletics Club, which is based in Northcliff.
“This is our inaugural event for this particular race. The reason for this particular race was actually to impact our community and also create awareness of the actual shopping centre.”
Block said the athletics club was very happy with how the run went, and planned to host it again next year.
Daniel Sigasa, who won the 10km race in an impressive time of 00:37:06, which was six and a half minutes ahead of the runner-up, Hennie Espach, said the greatest challenge was the cold weather.
“It was a bit hard to move but through it all the hills were very hard, but the last 2km were very nice because it was a nice downhill. So ja, I enjoyed the race,” he said.
Sigasa added that he would definitely attend next year so he could defend his title.
The first woman to finish the 10km run was Sarah Silber in 00:45:46. She was also well ahead of the runner-up, Maphutli Phaka in 00:48:48.
The first man to finish the 15km run was Tshepiso Khati in 00:49:02 while the first woman was Christine Kalmer in 00:60:44.
Details: Run Zone Athletics Club admin@runzone.co.za; 072 276 9635; 084 371 0123.
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