The club has been a part of the community for more than 30 years, and in true running club style, they organise events throughout the year to involve the public and get people running.
The challenge came about as a means to build up to and train for the Comrades Marathon, by getting the runners to participate in a series of short marathons before South Africa’s biggest road race.
Michelle Knotzer from the Randburg Harriers explained that although running is a sport that relies mainly on the individual, their club wanted to get the entire family involved.
“The runner is reliant on him or herself, but we’ve always made these events to be very family orientated – with great entertainment going on in the background and activities for the kids to take part in.”
The challenge is held on Mother’s Day, 10 May, and this year, the running club encourages families to join in on the fun.
This year has a very special incentive for all the professional runners as Schindlers Attorneys, Notaries & Conveyancers has sponsored the run by putting up a R10 000 prize for any runner who breaks the current records for the 21km race in the ladies’ and mens’ divisions.
The holders of the records are Derocious Makhobalo at a time of 01:07:06 for the men’s 21km race which was set in 2013, and for the ladies 21km is Rene Kalmer’s time of 01:16:18 set in 2012.
This year is expected to draw more than 5 000 runners to the club to take part in the final preparation run for the Comrades.
Details: Michelle Knotzer 011 792 7003; www.randburgharriers.co.za
