Club starts off new season with 5km fun run

SPRING is regarded as the season of new beginnings. With a number of runners taking a break in the cold winter months, September presents the ideal opportunity for amateur athletes to dust off their running shoes and hit the tarmac again.

Tongaat Panthers Athletics Club’s Spring Carnival on September 2 will herald the start of the new season, with more than 800 runners set to participate in a 5km fun run.

Keshini Maharaj, who took over the reins as the club’s chairperson earlier this year, said events like this had been designed to grow its membership.

“Previously, we used to host races, but there was a lot of focus on the more serious runners,” Maharaj said.

“Our vision has changed now. We believe our focus should be more development- and community-focused. We know that there is a lot of potential in the area,” she added.

The race offers a scenic route which is fairly flat and will suit runners of all types.

“We want to encourage families to join the movement,” Maharaj said.

“People get a bit worried when they see an event is hosted by a running club because they think it has a competitive element. It is also about encouraging a healthy lifestyle.”

Runners are being encouraged to don bright colours to symbolise the spring theme of the event.

“The morning will kick off with an aerobic warm-up session. At the finish, we will have a bit of entertainment for kids and some food stalls,” Maharaj said.

It has been a good year for the club with a number of its members making their presence felt at races across the country.

“In addition, we also have our time trials on Thursdays and a league every Sunday.

“There is always a chance for our members to get out and enjoy a run,” Maharaj concluded.