As the sun rose on Saturday, January 8, and the heat of the day crept its way into the tar that lined the roads of Constantia, runners grabbed their running shoes and tightly knotted their shoes for an incredible race.
Hosted by the Pinelands Athletic Club, the Hohenort 15km Road Race is a test of endurance that is about more than just stretching the legs and using the road as a means of training for the Two Oceans. Runners around the Peninsula came together to honour Dave Spence, an individual who coached many athletes in the sprints, race walking, middle distance, and long-distance arena.
Spencer was a life member of the club for more than 20 years of coaching, and this year’s race was dedicated to him.
The Hohenort 15km Road Race was not only a great chance for runners to get their hearts pumping but it’s another excellent way to motivate runners and nurture relationships, especially after dealing with a pandemic, reports IOL.
“Due to the lockdown, membership numbers declined, and many runners did not renew their club membership or their running licences. Covid-19 also introduced a whole new dynamic to putting on an event, along with many extra expenses one has to incur to mitigate the risks associated with the transmission of the virus.
“As the lockdown levels increased and people had more freedom to exercise, we aimed to get runners to celebrate the fact that we have the freedom once again to run in an organised event to rekindle relationships with other runners that they have not seen for a very long time, and most importantly, to encourage all runners to join a club so that we can grow the sport,” stated race director Paul Rist.
The runners showed good form today despite the blistering heat, with a number of spectators ready to cheer them on. Visit their Pinelands Atheltic Club’s Facebook for all the cool pictures from the race!
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