DEPARTMENT RUNNERS DEFY COLD TO CONQUER EXXARO ROAD RACE

By Madali Chibambu

• On Saturday, despite freezing temperatures, Jeanette Galang from the Gauteng Department of Social Development Athletic Club triumphed in the 5km race at the Exxaro Road Race Challenge in Centurion.
• The department’s athletic team, predominantly composed of women, participated across the 5km, 10km, and 21km race, celebrating their achievements with medals and group photos.
• Galang, inspired by her own journey, encouraged more department members to join the club, highlighting the growing enthusiasm among participants despite challenging conditions.

On Saturday, despite the freezing temperatures, Jeanette Galang from the Gauteng Department of Social Development Athletic Club emerged as the first runner to complete the 5km race at the Exxaro Road Race Challenge, held at SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium in Centurion, Northern Corridor. The department’s athletic squad, dominated by women, braved the cold across the 5km, 10km, and 21km races. Each runner proudly visited the team table after crossing the finish line, gathering for group photos and showcasing their hard-earned medals.

Images of the victorious runners were shared across social media platforms and the club’s WhatsApp group, where club members praised them for representing the team so well. Galang, a resident of New Eersterus, shared her personal journey: “My weight doesn’t define me. It was never an easy journey, but I was determined to finish the race. Running in the cold is tough; your legs freeze, and cramps set in, but I refused to give up. Seeing others like me on the course gave me the motivation to keep going,” she said.

Galang also expressed her desire for more department members to join the club, recalling how she was invited by Welile Sihawu. “At first, I didn’t have the confidence, but now I’m a proud runner for the Department.” Welile Sihawu, Secretary of the Gauteng Department of Social Development, expressed his surprise and pride at the turnout. “I didn’t expect members to show up in such severe weather conditions, but to my surprise, they filled the WhatsApp group with their posts. The club is growing rapidly, and we’re eager to see more of the executive team joining us,” said Sihawu.