Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 63, October 2014 | Page 42

M Ma ED IA run/walk for life PA RT N ER The Maritzburg Crew RWFL Pietermaritzburg Modern Athlete is proud to be an official media partner of Run/Walk For Life, the organisation with over 30,000 members in 100 branches throughout South Africa, which specialises in getting you started as a walker or a runner, and also has one of the biggest and most active athletic clubs in SA. t the beginning of 2009, the Pietermaritzburg branch formed with just five members arriving at the first session. Today, it’s grown to 136 runners and walkers of all ages. “We have a good mix of athletes, with the youngest being 13 and the oldest 80,” says branch manager Allan Angus. “Almost half of the programme members are also part of the athletics club and take part in road races, trail races and other events.” There are also those that are just happy to be able to walk a few kays without feeling exhausted, while some take their race walking very seriously, and others who love the longer stuff, like taking part in the Comrades Marathon. What most have in common, though, is the annual events that stand out for the bunch in Pietermaritzburg – the popular 15km Capital Climb, where more than 50 members took part in 2013, as well as the 15km Christmas Challenge in Westville, where it’s all about having fun and donning some festive gear. Around 40 members took part in last year’s challenge. Allan says that the club has a great vibe and caters for everyone. “We have a lot of fun at our sessions. They can be a valuable and regular social occasion with the serious side in getting in some exercise, and members are encouraged to express themselves by achieving things that they never believed they could!” The Pietermaritzburg group meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5:30pm and Saturday mornings at 6am, on the sports field at Scottsville Primary School in King Edward Avenue. To get in touch, contact Allan on 084 582 4005 or [email protected]. 42 Pieter Nel: In 2010 this diabetic was advised by his doctor to get some exercise, so he joined the branch and set about getting fit and losing weight. He is now 20kg lighter, has taken part in 15km road races as well as 15km trail walks, and at training sessions he even leads a walking ‘bus’ of members who encourage each other to walk consi