GDSD ATHLETICS CLUB INTENSIFIES TRAINING AHEAD OF TWO OCEANS AND COMRADES MARATHONS

By Madali Chibambu

• Over 100 members participated in a provincial training session in preparation for major upcoming marathons.
• The initiative is strengthening fitness, teamwork and participation through the Department’s Wellness Programme.
• New members are joining the club and building momentum toward participating in national races.

More than 100 members of the Gauteng Social Development Athletics Club, in partnership with Faranani Athletic Club, recently gathered at Groenkloof in the Northern Corridor for a training session as part of preparations for the upcoming Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons.

The session brought together runners from various regions and institutions across the province, demonstrating growing interest and participation in the club despite transport challenges.

Club secretary Welile Sihewula described the turnout as encouraging, particularly the number of new members who joined the training session.
“I was initially unsure whether some of the new members would complete the route due to the steep hills, but I was impressed to see everyone return to the starting point on time,” he said.

Sihewula noted that several members have already qualified for both the Two Oceans Marathon and the Comrades Marathon, adding that the current training phase is critical in building endurance and readiness for race day.

“This is the perfect time for everyone to intensify their training. These sessions also motivate new members, some of whom now see themselves participating in these major marathons,” he said.

He further encouraged more employees to join the club, highlighting its role in promoting healthy lifestyles through the Department’s Wellness Programme.
“We encourage more colleagues to join us, as training contributes to healthy living. It would also be encouraging to see more executives participating, as this boosts staff morale,” he added.

New member Lesego Ntlailane from Dr F & F Treatment Centre described the experience as both challenging and inspiring.
“I thought I was physically fit, but those steep hills showed me flames,” she said with a laugh.
Ntlailane explained that she had long wanted to join the club and was motivated after reading about it in the departmental bulletin and reconnecting with former colleagues.

Another new member, Fezile Chauke from Itireleng Residential Care Facility for the Disabled, contributed as a marshal during the session due to a shortage of volunteers. She assisted with monitoring water points, distributing refreshments and ensuring that all runners were accounted for.
“From our institution, six new members joined the club after we saw a poster on SOCDEV and encouraged each other to participate,” she said.

Chauke added that the group has since started its own training club at their institution and plans to continue participating in future sessions.
“These training sessions give us an opportunity to interact with colleagues from other regions while promoting fitness and teamwork,” she said.

Through initiatives such as these, the Gauteng Department of Social Development continues to promote employee wellness, teamwork and active participation, while preparing runners to compete in some of the country’s most prestigious marathons.