The Unity and Friendship hosted by Checkstar Verulam Falcons AC, over the past weekend, saw more than 200 participants enjoy the affable and fun-loving atmosphere that prevailed. The intention of the run was:
1. To help re-ignite and re-energize participation amongst walkers and runners which had gradually declined since the COVID-19 pandemic
2. To build unity and friendship amongst clubs
3. To help grow respective club membership
4. To support each other in road races
Participants enjoyed comfortable distances of 5km, 10km and 13km in a true spirit of camaraderie, with no pressure of a road race. Reconnecting and bonding amongst attendees was evident as many had not seen their running colleagues from various clubs in many years. Runners and walkers nostalgically rekindled years of participation in road races and the comrade’s marathon. The following clubs attended: Tongaat Panthers, Verulam Athletic Club, Ubuntu, Phoenix Striders, Woodview and the host Club Checkstar Verulam Falcons. The electric vibe, post the run/walk, was fuelled by the razzmatazz of music, entertainment, lucky draws and by well-wishes from the different club lauding and salutingthe initiative.
Speakers in unison articulated that such events will spark wider participation and all were looking forward to similar events.Jaya Kisten from VACwas thankful for the event and encouraged wider participation and there was “profound appreciation for a well-organized Unity Run”. Denver from Phoenix Villagers “the morning event was nothing short from of fantastic and here’s to more successful collaboration”, Zaheer from Ubuntu spoke of caring, mutual growth and success – eventslike these this bodes well for the sport and the initiative sets the tone for greater collaboration. Kumaren Govender from Woodview commented that he hoped to see more events like this in the future.
Participants were treated to continental breakfast and special thanks is extended to Verulam Secondary for the catering, event champion Strini Nadasen all Falcons members who put in a fabulous effort in organizing the event.
