The Arnold Classic Africa kicked off its first event for this year with a night run, hosted by the Gauteng provisional government. The 8km run took place at Crawford College, Sandton on 16 May.
The event aimed to help citizens become involved in regular exercise and to live a healthy lifestyle.
The ambassador of this event, Mapaseka Makhanya, athletics fanatic, South African sportswoman of the year 2013 and runner up in the Soweto Marathon 2017 said, “I think this is the best way to introduce people to running, many lose spirit should they have to wake up in the morning to run. With this night run, I hope people realise that they can run at any time and that there is no specific time to run, just run.”
The race was started by a shotgun start, fired by Faith Mazibuko, MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
Ivor Hoff chief director of the Department Sports and Recreation said,” It was wonderful to see so many people celebrate life and enjoy the Sandton streets, skyscrapers and fresh autumn evening. Our objective was to offer an event and route that would challenge the serious athlete, yet welcome the fun runner as we endeavour to promote healthy living, great friendships and celebrating our cities.”
Event organiser Danny Blumberg of DB Events said the event ran smoothly and that it will continue to flourish in future years. He would like to give a special thanks to Gauteng Provincial Government, City of Johannesburg and Arnold Classic Africa.
Mazibuko thanked everyone who attended, “The attendance was very good, it is one of these initiatives where we say, like Gauteng, we are a home of champions, a home of excellence and we always try new ideas.”
Details: Arnold Classic Africa’s festival website www.arnoldclassicafrica.com
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