RUN CREW FRIDAY
2 MINS 34 SECONDS
Izitebele, bringing runners home
A social running crew based in Durban, Izitebele is a crew that believes you should never run alone. Founded in 2021 post the COVID pandemic as a space for runners to train together, it started with four but has grown to over 150 dedicated members.- By Thathe Msimango
But what does Izitebele mean? The term‘ Izitebele’ directly translates to‘ stables,’ similar to those used for horses. However, in this context, it represents running crews. This analogy stems from the fact that, just as horses are trained in stables, we too train in groups. So, instead of using the word‘ groups,’ we refer to them as‘ stables,’ signifying running crews.
Andile Sibaya and Khulekani Shabalala were the brains behind the formation of the crew. As Andile says the reason for the formation of Izitebele was to have runners training together in order to create a spirit of harmony.“ The time we started Izitebele was all about trying to
get people out of their comfort zone and exercise for a better lifestyle.”
It was a movement that started at a time where people were not only scared about leaving their homes, but also when training together seemed like an impossible dream.“ We were brave enough to start the group in the time of Covid pandemic. It was a difficult time for everyone as time outside was limited and runners were scared. We saw the group as a way to revive hope. When we first started there were only four of us, but we were not discouraged, and today we have over 150 members that run with us every week,” says Andile, and he predicts even bigger growth over the next five years.
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