Born 2 Run take to the streets

Born 2 Run is a club in Sandton that supports athlete development in South Africa.

Ann Ashworth of the club said this year’s race, run between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, saw almost 22 000 runners take to the streets.

She added that the club is home to both social and semi-professional athletes and that it prides itself on fostering the pursuit of athletic excellence both on and off the road.

“Regardless of whether a runner enjoys competing in shorter distance road running, cross country, track or parkrun events, or whether an athlete has his or her sights set on a Comrades medal, the club seeks to support, encourage and if necessary coach, each member of the club to reach his or her full potential,” added Ashworth.

She said this attitude of support and keen team spirit was tested to the fullest during this year’s 89.2km race, as the women’s team competed and won the Ladies’ Team Prize.

Ashworth said the first woman from the club was Avril Halstead, in a time of 07:40:00 followed closely by Ashworth in a time of 07:43:00. Heather Walden, a beginner athlete, was the club’s first veteran home in a time of 08:32:00.

“Special mention must be made of the club’s Unogwaja hero, Xolani Hlatshwayo,” said Ashworth. Hlatshwayo took part in this year’s Unogwaja Challenge, a charity fundraiser which required twelve volunteers to compete in a 10-day cycle from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg, followed by the Comrades Marathon on Day 11.

Hlatshwayo, raising funds for the Starfish Foundation, finished the race in a time of 08:33:00, earning him the spot of first man home in the club and first Unogwaja home by several hours. “He is an inspiration,” said Ashworth.

She said she was proud of all the athletes who took part in the awe-inspiring event. “In particular, the 26 finishers of Born 2 Run, who each achieved or exceeded their individual race goals.”