Going into its fifth year, the club, founded in 2020 by runners, has grown from a small group into a formidable community. “The inspiration behind hosting the Titanium spring half-marathon is, one, to promote healthy living amongst the citizens of Central South Africa,” said local organising committee outgoing chairperson Siphe Zenani.

This focus on community well-being and brand recognition is coupled with a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, said Zenani. The club prides itself on attracting a diverse range of participants.

While specific demographics of the club’s membership are dynamic, the club’s ethos is clear: “It fits in that mission in the sense of attracting a diversity of participants, and doing our best to curate the best experiences in the central South Africa.”

The event, which will be held in September (6/9), is open to all. Certain age restrictions are in place to ensure participant safety. The club advises that children under ten participate in the 5km fun walk or run, while the 10km race is open to those aged 16 and older.

Any distance or any race category that is above that, everyone is welcome except the children.

Safety of participants

“We do that through the deployment of what we would call bus drivers. Bus drivers are those people who run with a group of other runners to ensure that everybody finishes,” said Zenani.

The event will have emergency medical response along the route, a roaming ambulance, and a medical station at the start and finish lines. Traffic officers will also be on hand to manage traffic and prevent accidents.

The club’s membership is now 200-plus members strong, having started with just a few dedicated runners.

Medals will be issued for all finishers, and there are cash prizes, ranging between R120 and R2,000, for category winners. The online registrations close on 3 September.

For more information, you may contact the CCTAC on 082 514 7219 or follow our social media pages: Centre City Titanium’s Athletics Club on Facebook; C2titaniumsAC on Twitter; and Centre City Titaniums AC on Instagram

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane mvh