The streets of Springs came alive with colour, competitive spirit, and high energy as runners took part in the Springs Striders’ 55th annual road race on Sunday.
The event featured distances ranging from 5km to 32km, with the 32km race getting underway at 06:00 from Veritas College.
Members of the hosting club proudly represented their community, with several finishing among the top runners, achieving commendable results.
Notable performances included Amore Botha, who crossed the finish line in 21 minutes and 53 seconds in the 5km open ladies category, earning the second position.
In the 15km great grand master ladies category, Gail Williams secured third place with a solid time of 2 hours and 18 minutes, while Robin Williams impressed on the men’s side of the same category, finishing in 1 hour and 29 minutes, earning second place.
The club’s secretary, Charmaine Botha, said the Striders were encouraged by the growing number of people taking an active interest in fitness and sport.
“The support from the community has been wonderful. We had over 93 volunteers serving as marshals, and our entries increased by 30% this year.
“We usually struggle to reach 1 000 entries, but this time we had around 1 600 participants, which shows that the community is taking sport seriously and that we are doing something right,” she said.
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Botha added that planning for the event began as early as July last year, highlighting the effort behind the scenes.
“It takes a strong team and a great deal of administration to host an event of this size. We are hopeful that more people will join the club, and we would also like to see more runners becoming part of our Comrades team,” she said.
Reflecting on the club’s Comrades Marathon involvement, Botha said Springs Striders had 24 runners take part last year.
“I believe everyone should participate in the Comrades Marathon at least once in their lifetime. We encourage runners to join us and work towards reaching that milestone,” she added.
The Springs SPCA staff members were among the participants. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
Robin Williams and Joseph Khumalo. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
The great grand master top three, Agnes Kirsh, Jenny Robershaw and Gail Williams. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
Bhongo Shwaimba cheerful on the track. Photo: Buhle Matsoele
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