POLOKWANE – Several incidents of runners becoming the victims of criminals in Polokwane when out running, especially in the evenings, prompted BONUS to speak to the Westenburg Police Spokesperson, Const Maphure Manamela, about what runners can do to keep safe.
“Always try to run in groups as it will make you a less likely target for criminals and avoid taking valuables with you when you run. Carrying music players, cell phones or other valuables with them as it makes them a more enticing target for criminals,” she said.
It is also advisable that if runners feel it necessary to listen to music while they run to not wear earphones in both ears so they can remain aware of their environment.
BONUS spoke to several athletic clubs in the city and they all strongly agreed that running in groups is the safest way of staying safe while keeping fit.
Parkrun Polokwane Event Director, Felicity Roberts, reminded runners that they can join them every Saturday at 08:00 at the park across from Tom Naudé Technical High School for the weekly Parkrun.
“Not only is it free to participate, it is also safe as we run in large groups. One of the main reasons we have the Parkun is because it offers runners the opportunity to keep fit in a safe and controlled environment,” she explained.
