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Virtual Runners Set The Pace

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More than 55 000 runners took part in the first challenge of the second instalment of the Nedbank Runified virtual running series in July 2021, setting the record for the largest number of participants in a South African virtual race to date, surpassing the 2020 participation of 53 000. The second challenge, entailing two 5 km runs, is open for registration and is set to kick off on Saturday, 14 August 2021. Challenge two is designed to test runners’ ability to maintain consistency across both 5 km distances.

Nedbank Runified is the first-ever African sponsored virtual race on world-renowned fitness app Strava, which welcomes runners of all fitness levels. These challenges have welcomed ultramarathon runners Gerda Steyn, Deanne Horn and Sanelisiwe Mbanjwa, but have also seen amateur runners achieve new personal bests.

The series kicked off last month with a 5 km challenge and is set to end in a 10 km challenge on 29 October 2021. Exclusive spot prizes will be awarded to 10 lucky runners each month, courtesy of the Nedbank Running Club’s sponsors, Futurelife, Thirsti, Bavaria, Biogen and Nike. In addition, runners automatically stand to win a share of R70 000 Nedbank Greenbacks. One lucky runner will also walk away with an all-expenses-paid trip for two to compete in a national marathon up to the value of R50 000.

‘We are thrilled to see such incredible results from the first challenge and so many new runners put in the mileage to achieve their goals. We are hoping to see more people join and participate in the next challenge as it is an opportunity for us all to connect with people virtually through our passions,’ says Kelly Thompson, Nedbank Sponsorship Manager.

The #NedbankRunified virtual series is open to the public from now until 29 October 2021. Challenge two will be open until 29 August 2021 and winners will be announced at the end of August. September and October challenges will follow with participants challenged to run 8 km and 10 km respectively.

‘From reaching fitness goals right down to the general improvement of both your physical and mental health, road running is truly a sport for all. While the series is suitable for runners on all fitness levels, this challenge has two weekly 5 km challenges, which is a great opportunity for new runners to maintain consistency, and an easy way to achieve their goals,’ says Nedbank Running Club Manager and coach, Nick Bester.

The various restrictions as a result of Covid-19 affected the routines of many, and, while everyday runners and fitness seekers look to running to provide some form of normality, we all need to do so responsibly and minimise the spread of Covid-19 by adhering to protocols such as social distancing and wearing a mask. In light of the adjusted level 4 restrictions, Nedbank encourages runners on all fitness levels to compete in the series alone or with a family member living in the same house and not in groups or arranged gatherings.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.