It was a real urban adventure for runners and cyclists who got to see places in Joburg they had never before seen on 24 and 25 August.
The Hollard Jozi Urban Run Adventure (Jura) and Jozi Urban Mountain Bike Adventure (Juma) were back for their fifth editions this year.
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These events took participants over scaffolding bridges, through tunnels and storm water drains underground, down water slides, past secret waterfalls, up rock walls and rope climbs, and more.
The run included 6km, 12km and 18km routes, while the cycle the next day had 10km, 22km, 54km and 72km routes, with 1km and 2km events for children.
There was an adventure for everyone, while marshals and traffic officers ensured everyone’s safety throughout.
“I saw a lot of people smiling, I think they really had a great time,” said Louise Gordon, executive manager of business development and stakeholder management for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.
“It was a really fun event for families. They could see the value of parks and open spaces.”
Chief marketing officer for Hollard, Heidi Brauer agreed that the run and cycle attracted people from all walks of life.
“It was cool to see really young children doing it. They blow my mind,” she said. “And there were elder people. I did not realise there was grandmaster [and] veteran categories and some of the older people were also killing it. It’s great to see such a diverse collection of people turning up to enjoy the city.”
Russell Willis of Bam, the event organisers, said roughly 2 000 runners turned up on the first day and about 1 900 cyclists on the second day.
“We have worked really hard getting that mix right of making the event challenging enough for those who enjoy a challenge, and fun enough for those who enjoy just a bit of a fun outing who have their own personal fitness goals,” he said.
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