People returning to running is a trend that happens every year. Jaco Ebertsohn, chairman of Bloemfontein Striders, said he believes the goal of achieving a “summer body” is bringing people back to running.

“We have two groups. The first is those die-hard runners who participate and keep going no matter what season it is. They are usually the ones who train for something specific, like the Comrades Marathon, which takes place in the middle of winter.

“We also have a group of people that are less long-term goal oriented. They usually join when it’s warm during summer.”

Over the last three years, the whole running community has grown a lot. People starting from scratch is something that happens more often. New runners are starting the sport, but experienced runners who may have stopped for a few years are also coming back, said Ebertsohn.

“The sport of running has grown a lot. It’s almost as if running has become one of the popular activities among the new generation.” Any type of outdoor exercise has a positive impact on one’s wellbeing. It also gives people an opportunity to connect with others.

Jaco Ebertsohn, chairman of Bloemfontein Striders. Photo supplied

“Apart from that, the idea of training outside gives us that feeling of freedom that we are looking for most of the time, and that has a massive impact on our mental health as well.”

If one has been inactive during the winter season, it’s very important to start slowly and allow the body to adjust and avoid injuries. “A mistake that a lot of experienced runners make, is taking a break during winter and then jumping back into exercising without doing it slowly. That’s where most injuries occur.”

Safety precautions that people should take in Bloemfontein, especially women, include not running alone. Criminals know that the technology used when running is valuable, so it is always wise for people to run in groups. That is why we have running clubs.”

Motorists have to get used to sharing the road again since more people will be running because of the warmer weather. “Runners and walkers have to wear protective clothing, something that can easily be seen, and stay in groups. It is also important to run in a single file so that motorists can pass.”

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm

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