Runners partake in virtual ‘ sputnik’ challenge
An annual 10x10 racing challenge
The annual 10X10 Sputnik Lite challenge, organised by famous running outfit, Gaborone Striders running club, came to an end. The action packed fun challenge usually attracts hundreds of runners or physical exercise enthusiasts of different ages, both professional and non- professionals.
The good thing about the race is it does not only provide an opportunity for many to receive their first medals of 2020, but can be ran anywhere at individual runner’s convenient times. Speaking to this publication, Striders’ chairman, Ben Raletsatsi said the 10x10 Challenge is a 10 day running challenge within the period of 10 consecutive days. This popular event is a BAA approved calendar event that has enthralled the running community since inception and Gaborone Striders hosted its first event in 2018. Explaining on why the name 10x10 Sputnik Lite and what is different about the Challenge this year? Raletsatsi said 2020 has forced the running community to be innovative in the way they host their events. The colloquial meaning of ‘ Sputnik’ refers to anything that is petite/ small. Hence, 10x10 Sputnik Lite aligned well with the Virtual format of this event in 2020. He said the challenge is run from any location while participants are expected to monitor their runs using different platforms. All runs have to be GPS tracked. This ensures that no one can add a manual run and have it count as part of 10 by 10. All participants started the race on the 1st December and will run until 10th December. Unfortunately, there will not be a grand finale this year as runners will conclude their challenge at different locations. Further, medals will only be issued to those who have successfully completed all 10 runs in succession.
There will be a distribution point where runners will present their record of 10 runs in order to collect their medals. More information about collection points will be circulated in due course. This year, participants were encouraged to take as many pictures as possible in order to share on social media whilst tagging # gabzstriders 10x10 social handles. The rules state that the daily minimum of 10km run must be covered in one single run/ walk and shall not count if submitted in splits as in 5km in the morning and 5km in the evening). Submissions of a record of all 10 runs is expected for collection of a medal, otherwise there will be instant disqualification. Raletsatsi emphasised that treadmill runs will not be accepted and adherence to the challenge rules and instructions is expected from all participants. The challenge was open to members of Gaborone Striders and the running community at a nominal cost of P50.