Roodepoort runners rock red for love
Valentine's Day theme embraced at time trials
The recent time trials held at the Roodepoort Athletics Club had the members seeing red – not because of anger, but in celebration of the day of love.
According to Vincent Meyer, the club’s Public Relations Officer, the members were asked to dress according to a Valentine’s theme, and he explained, “Because the weekly time trial took place on Valentine’s Day, we decided to have a Valentine-themed evening.
We had delicious white and red cupcakes, and one of our members also served a delicious home-made strawberry punch. It was also our monthly braai night.”
The weekly time trials consist of a four or eight kilometre route, and is completed every Wednesday. “We do not only have runners, we have a large contingency of walkers as well, although they usually only complete the shorter route,” Vincent said.
He added that they do not only train on Wednesdays, they also run a 10km Koppies-route on Tuesdays, a standard 10km road route on Thursdays, and club runs on Saturdays and Sundays. “Our club runs are usually 10 and 21km, which we alternate on the two days, but, if there are big races or marathons happening over a weekend, we don’t have club runs. We also have members who participatein the Argus and 947 cycle challenges, as well as some who compete in the Midmar Mile every year,” he explained.
The club’s membership consists of variety of members – from those who are training for the Comrades to those who are only there for the social aspect, and Vincent said, “We have approximately 90 members who will be participating in the Comrades Marathon this year, as well as a large number of junior members (under 18s) who represent us on the track during inter-club meetings. We also have members who only come to the club for the social side of it, those who are not really runners, but feel the need for some company.”
Vincent said that anyone is welcome to join the club, regardless of age or fitness level. “We have members here who have years of experience and will not hesitate to help you. They will give you advice on how to train while minimising injuries, but maximising results. We are a nice bunch of people with amazing spirit and a huge support network. We try to offer new members the whole package, so they will not have to participate as individuals,” he said, smiling.
For more information on the club, contact Vincent on 083 291 5378 or visit their website at https://www.roodepoortathleticsclub.co.za.
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