Pretoria will host a new 5km running and walking event on Saturday, June 28. The race takes place at Harlequins Rugby Club and honors legendary athlete Zola Budd. Organizers have capped participation at 5,000 people for the inaugural event. The race starts at 9 a.m., which is later than most road races. Budd herself plans to participate and help raise awareness about gender-based violence.
Ray de Vries serves as the event media manager and has coached 14 Comrades Marathon winners during his career. He wants South Africans to unite through this running initiative. De Vries believes the Harlequins venue offers excellent facilities and plenty of parking space. The club sits in a central Pretoria location that makes it easy for participants to reach. Many well-known personalities will join the race alongside Budd.
The event welcomes people of all abilities and backgrounds. Participants can use wheelchairs or crutches if needed. Barefoot runners receive special encouragement at this tribute to Budd, who famously ran without shoes. De Vries says the race creates a platform for South Africans from different social groups to come together. The organizers view the event as more than just a race but as a celebration of human spirit and the joy of movement.
Ray de Vries serves as the event media manager and has coached 14 Comrades Marathon winners during his career. He wants South Africans to unite through this running initiative. De Vries believes the Harlequins venue offers excellent facilities and plenty of parking space. The club sits in a central Pretoria location that makes it easy for participants to reach. Many well-known personalities will join the race alongside Budd.
The event welcomes people of all abilities and backgrounds. Participants can use wheelchairs or crutches if needed. Barefoot runners receive special encouragement at this tribute to Budd, who famously ran without shoes. De Vries says the race creates a platform for South Africans from different social groups to come together. The organizers view the event as more than just a race but as a celebration of human spirit and the joy of movement.
