THE CHALLENGE
Bigger and Better than 2020
The Nedbank Runified Series is back in 2021 , and it ’ s even bigger and better than before . In its inaugural year the series was a huge success , and this year we hope to continue connecting people safely through their passion for running . So join the movement and set the pace with the return of Africa ’ s largest virtual challenges .
n 2020 , Nedbank Runified became Africa ’ s biggest-ever virtual mass participation platform ,
Iwith over 255,000 participants . Now the Nedbank Running Club , which is also Africa ’ s largest virtual running club , is elated to announce the second instalment of Nedbank Runified , a virtual running series in partnership with Strava , kicking off on Saturday 10 July 2021 . This will see participating athletes complete monthly running challenges between July and October 2021 .
The various restrictions as a result of COVID-19 have impacted the routines of many , and while everyday runners and fitness seekers look to running to provide some form of normality , we all need to do so responsibly and minimise the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to protocols such as social distancing and wearing a mask . In light of the adjusted level 4 restrictions , Nedbank encourages runners on all fitness levels to compete in the series , alone or with a family member living in the same house , and not in groups or arranged gatherings .
“ Nedbank has been a supporter of running for decades . We kicked off this year ’ s Nedbank Runified series with the Breaking Barriers event in May , which put elite runners back on the road , and there we witnessed both Irvette van Zyl and Ketema Negasa break the 50km International Association of Ultrarunners World Records ,” says Kelly Thompson , Nedbank Sponsorship Manager . “ Now we are just as excited about launching the second instalment of the Nedbank Runified Virtual Series .”
Something for Everybody
This virtual series is open to the general public from across South Africa , Lesotho , Zimbabwe , Namibia , Mozambique and eSwatini . The distance will change each month , starting from 5km and building up to a 10km race by the final challenge in October , and once again will provide runners with the opportunity to unify by running remotely .
“ The reality and effects of COVID-19 are still prevalent , so partnering with a digital platform such as Strava allows people to connect through their passion for running while maintaining social distancing ,” says Thompson .
Exclusive spot prizes will be awarded to 10 lucky runners each month , courtesy of the Nedbank Running Club ’ s sponsors , namely Futurelife , Thirsti , Bavaria , Biogen and Nike . In addition , runners automatically stand to win a share of R70,000 in Greenbacks , and one lucky runner will also walk away with an all-expenses-paid trip for two to compete in a national marathon , up to the value of R50,000 .
Success to Build On
One of the big success stories in the 2020 series was Nedbank Runified winner , Tayla Foong , who decided to pursue her running journey at the peak of the national lockdown last year . With the help of Nedbank Running Club Modderfontein , she used the challenges to go from strength to strength , which resulted in her completing her first 21km run in October 2020 .
“ The secret to winning is to show up , even when it ’ s pouring down with rain , or you ’ re just not feeling up to it ,” says Foong . “ To show up , and put in the mileage , that ’ s the secret . Finish every challenge to the best of your ability , and most of all enjoy it , through the pain and , eventually , the triumph .”
Another success was Kelly van Vliet , who finished in second place . In fact , she and Foong were only eclipsed by record-breaking ultramarathon runners Gerda Steyn , Deanne Horn and Sanelisiwe Mbanjwa in terms of performances in the challenge . For her efforts , Van Vliet was rewarded with a Nedbank Running Club elite athlete contract for 2021 !
With the new series underway now in 2021 , the Nedbank Running Club is looking forward to seeing many new personal records set and running goals achieved . “ We ’ re excited about bringing running events to life in 2021 ,” says Nick Bester , National Manager of the Nedbank Running Club . “ On all levels , I understand the hard work and effort that goes into starting and completing these challenges , and we are looking forward to seeing incredible results and hopefully new running club members .”
Join the Movement !
If you want to challenge your limits , run and get rewarded , join the verified Nedbank Running Club on Strava . You can also stay abreast of all updates by following Nedbank Sport on Twitter and Facebook , or by visiting the Nedbank Running Club website at nedbankrunningclub . co . za .
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