Love goes the distance at Valentine’s Night Race
PRAEGVILLE – It's all fairy wings, hearts and tutus as thousands run in the name of love.
The streets were full of love when 6 500 runners took on the Randburg Harriers Valentine’s Night Race on 16 February.
The fun and not-so-serious 10km event saw people dress up according to the theme, with fairy wings, bunny ears, tutus and hearts in abundance.
Metro Police and Harriers volunteers saw the crowds safely along the route, which began at the Randburg Sports Complex, went up and down the rough hills of Randburg (including the infamous Silver Pine Avenue and Maria Street), and then back to the club on Malibongwe Drive and Republic Road.
Along the route were percussion bands, bag pipe players and residents picnicking outside their houses cheering the runners on.
Overall, the vibe was electric.
“My friends and I always come because it’s lots of fun and we love it,” said Ursula Maritz with her pals.
Tayla Brons and Emma Hardham ran for the first time but said they loved the atmosphere and opportunity to dress up.
Boxer Athletics Club runner Mbongeni Ngxazozo was the first man to finish, clocking an amazing 00:31:30. As quickly as he finished the run, he was on the stage to collect his prize and then on his way home again.
Women’s winner, and also a Boxer runner, Cornelia Joubert stayed for a while after finishing in 00:38:01.
“It was my first race at Harriers and it was tough,” she said.
“I guess all the support I received helped me beat the other ladies.”
Silver 'pain' Avenue is proving a tough hill to climb @RandburgH pic.twitter.com/WzEjkzFcs8
— RandburgSun (@randburg_sun) February 16, 2018
Ngxazozo and Joubert are two of the athletes who will compete at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Spain in March.
Race director, Liesl Koch said the event was a huge success and went off without any hiccups.
“The vibe was great and love was truly in the air,” she said. “I would like to thank everyone for coming.”
Also read: Valentine’s Night Race is back
