Fortress Running Series Commended for Township Races

Mapaseka Makhanya, a respected figure in the running community, has expressed her admiration for the organisers of the Fortress Running Series for their initiative to make races accessible to a wider population. This sentiment follows the recent instalment of the series held at Evaton Mall in southern Gauteng, following its launch in Venda the previous month.

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Makhanya, whose running journey began in Soweto and culminated in representing South Africa at the 2017 World Championships in London, strongly believes that township races can unearth and nurture the abundant athletic talent present in South Africa. She sees these races as a catalyst for inspiring a new generation of athletes to embrace the sport.

She stated, “I decided to take part because the Fortress Running Series aligns with my own vision of bringing running back into our own communities and into the townships. There’s no better way for us elite athletes to inspire the younger generation to join the sport than coming here.”

Makhanya also shared a touching encounter, recounting how an 18-year-old girl approached her with tears in her eyes, seeking coaching. This interaction reaffirmed the importance of encouraging and motivating young individuals interested in running.

In the 21km event, Makhanya secured the third position among women, with Cornelia Joubert from Boxer Athletics Club emerging as the victor in 1:22:10, followed by Rudo Mhanderwa of the Nedbank Running Club at 1:23:32. The Pitch Track Club dominated the men’s category, as Olympian Elroy Gelant triumphed in 1:07:21, closely followed by teammate Ian Slinger at 1:07:41. Tiisetso Mokhoma securing third place at 1:08:10.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the event witnessed widespread participation from social runners, especially in the 5km segment. With a participation count exceeding 560 individuals, the streets of Emfuleni Local Municipality township came alive with the event’s vibrant energy. Among the observers was Mayor Councillor Sipho Radebe.

Kelly Carmichael of Fortress Real Estate emphasised the essence of community unity embodied by the Fortress Running Series. The initiative aims to bring individuals together through engaging in healthy activities. Carmichael noted the blending of professional and amateur runners, highlighting the enriching experience of running together and fostering a sense of camaraderie around a shared goal.

The race day was preceded by athletics coaching clinics at local schools and a community clean-up event in partnership with Don’t Waste, during which community members collaborated to clean up litter along the race route. This initiative underscores the broader impact of the event, contributing positively to both physical fitness and community well-being.

Source: Organisers of Fortress Running Series praised for taking races to the township

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Photo: Supplied by Vaalweek Blad