ROAD RUNNING
The Absa Crew got the runners warmed up for their run
Let the Fun Begin
Mirri and I had planned to run together , but this unfortunately also didn ’ t go to plan , as we were placed in different starting batches . And so , we wished each other well and went our separate ways , agreeing to meet up at the finish line . At this point , I found myself still feeling quite anxious that my stomach was going to give me problems during the run , but did my best to shift my mindset and just enjoy the moment , whilst hoping for the best .
The race has unique permission to run along a section of the N1 highway
The strap on the DHL water bottles caused a wee bit of confusion
Waiting in my starting batch , trying to ignore the goosebumps from the cold wind , I couldn ’ t help but smile when I started noticing the creativity of some of the runners around me in terms of how they were using the sponsored DHL water bottles we had received in our goodie bags , with which to ‘ carry our own ’ and reduce the amount of waste generate by the race at the water tables . The bottle came with a rubber strap , and I saw some runners had attached their bottles to their running belts , or their wrists , but
some of us had worked out that the strap attached at the bottom as well , to make it a handheld bottle . I lost count of the times I heard somebody proclaim , “ Oh , is that how it works ?” You had to be there .
A Party on the Run
It wasn ’ t long before my batch was set off and we started making our way from Milnerton to go ‘ paint the town red ’ in our red Absa race tees , all the way to the finish line in Lower Long Street , opposite the Absa building . I soon forgot about my stubborn stomach and felt myself being carried along by the incredible vibe . Despite the wind , which by this stage had morphed into a howling gale , it was evident that everyone was having fun , enjoying the moment of simply being able to share the roads alongside thousands of fellow athletes .
About 3km into the race , we were sucked along by the catchy groove of Wham ’ s Wake me up before you go-go at the Chery Cheer Zone , which is just what I needed to keep smiling , forgetting about the gale force winds , stomach issues , queues , et al . None of that mattered anymore . I was in the moment and having fun , fully immersed in my ‘ why .’ On that note , the entertainment and vibe of the Absa Run Your City
Runners pass under two of the famous unfinished aerial highways
Entertainment Everywhere !
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series events are renowned for terrific vibe all along their routes , courtesy of both sponsor activations and vibe zones , as well as local performing groups , including bands , dancers , cheerleaders and DJs . Here are just a few images of the party on foot that was the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K .
30 ISSUE 159 | www . modernathlete . co . za