KAC paints kasi red in quest for healthier bodies

Athletes after finishing a training run in Mandela Park on Tuesday.

Khayelitsha Athetics Club (KAC) painted Mandela Park Stadium red on Tuesday afternoon in celebration of Valentine’s Day, marked annually on February 14 and to welcome new members to the township’s fastest growing running club.

The Valentine’s Day celebration began with a 4km run that started from outside the stadium, with members dressed in red and white vests or red windbreakers jogging through Makhaza, and back into the stadium where a prize-giving and lucky draw were held.

Chwayitile Mlungu and Nolwando Tsutsu were the lucky members who won the Valentine’s Day hampers.

KAC’s event committee secretary Hlesco Nandi Mjingqi said they had sold raffle tickets to raise funds for the club and picked Valentine’s Day for their celebrations to encourage “people to fall in love with running”.

“Our main message is ‘Your health is your wealth’ and we want to encourage the public to join the club so that they benefit in the joys of road running,” said Hlesco.

She said the club had more than 250 members and the aim was to grow the number.

“We are very excited this year. Already we have attracted interest from new runners, most of whom are from out of town and we are working hard to build our brand as a team of choice in Khayelitsha,” she added.

KAC member Kwanie Sinduku said it was important that the club was hosting events to promote running and healthy exercise in the township.

“The constant sight of club members in the road in their red windbreakers encourages young and old to become involved in training,” said Kwanie.

On Sunday more than 50 KAC-affiliated club members will take part in the Peninsula Marathon’s 42.2km and 21.1km events.

If you would like to join the club, contact Hlesco on 083 269 0345 or Patience Nkohla on 083 9467154.