18 RUNNERS UNDERTAKE 40KM RUN

MBABANE – A group of 18 people from Pigg’s Peak embarked on a 40km long run to Matsamo Border Gate in the wee hours of yesterday morning.

The runners, who represented different athletics clubs, were joined by individual runners from Pigg’s Peak ,who were interested in improving their health and fitness through the wellness activity. According to one of the organisers, Thami Shongwe, the long run formed part of their training routine. During the course of the run, Shongwe said they observed the guidelines as prescribed by the Athletics Association as they maintained social distancing and were disbursed in small groups of five to six people. “We started running as early as 4am. we normally train together so we decided to incorporate the long run as part of our training routine and anyone who is willing to join us is welcome to do so,” said Shongwe.

Difficult

He further stated that they did not wear masks during the run as it made breathing difficult but the social distancing ensured close contact between runners was avoided. For convenience purposes, the runners’ personal belongings such as water bottles and hand sanitisers were kept in two mini-buses, which were used to transport them from Matsamo back to the starting point.
“We used two kombis to transport us back to Pigg’s Peak because we are aware of the restrictions in public transport. Our plan is to host these runs every week and hopefully form one athletics club from Pigg’s Peak,” said Shongwe. Athletics Association Secretary General Thoba Mazibuko warned runners to be conscious of the regulations guiding road training.

He urged runners to stick to the recommended training group of five people. He further emphasised that hosting road races remained banned as only track and field races would be held under strict regulations in the future. “Group training is limited to only five people and anything beyond that is unacceptable as it will make social distancing a challenge,” said Mazibuko.

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