The inaugural UKZN 10km Campus to Campus Race and 5km Fun Run was not without inspirational moments; one of them being Ms Amina Ayamu, who completed the 10km race while in her second trimester of pregnancy.
A UKZN master’s student, Ayamu ran the 10km race while being six months pregnant and participating in her sixth race so far this year. As a regular runner, Ayamu trains at least once a week and is proud to have achieved a finishing time of 1 hour 22 minutes. ‘I have always been running and that’s why I feel like I needed to run, even though I am pregnant. I will try to run up until the very end of my pregnancy even if I have to crawl to make it to the finish line,’ she said.
A group of UKZN athletics students and staff involved in planning and working on race day were so passionate about the race that they ran the 10km race on the Saturday before the event, supported by staff from the HIV/AIDS Unit. The following morning of the race at 5am, pace setter Mr Mandla Mdhluli ran the race from Westville campus to Howard Campus “back-to-back” accompanied by veteran runner, Mr Tony Singarum. ‘The idea of running the race “back-to-back” came from the athletes and Mdhluli. I was still recovering after running this year’s gruelling Comrades, but I couldn’t refuse because this race was in support of a worthy cause – the United Nations AIDS Global 90-90-90 strategy,’ said Singarum.
Mr Sipho Mbanjwa, the winner in the men’s 10km race said he was very happy to have won in the first Campus to Campus Race and hopes to be just as successful next year. ‘I hope this will motivate and inspire more boys to be involved in athletics, reducing the rate of alcohol abuse and teenage pregnancy amongst our youth because I believe that boys are at the forefront of those statistics,’ said Mbanjwa.
Ms Janet Mbhele, winner in the women’s 10km race said that she was really happy about winning. ‘I have been preparing myself for 21km`s during training and that is why I did so well in this 10km race,’ said Mbhele.
Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Mr Ashton Bodrick, said he was overwhelmed and humbled by the response from professional runners, staff and students. ‘The inaugural campus to campus race attracted seasoned professional runners amongst novices. It showcased talent and highlighted the passion of road runners.’
Commenting on the highlights of the day, Bodrick said what stood out for him was the ‘absolute joy of all the participants, the camaraderie, high energy and excitement of everyone who participated, more especially, having staff and students express their delight and joy in being part of UKZN.’
The event race attracted 3000 participants for both the race and fun run, half of what the organisers had anticipated.
Bodrick thanked his team and all the executive divisions and their teams who played a role in the success of the event. ‘This was a team effort and it took all hands on deck. The support divisions rallied together, working long hours, tirelessly and diligently. Great attention to detail and rigorous planning ensured success.
‘Sponsors and partners have been most generous in their support. We are thankful for their contribution and believe that this will grow year on year,’ he added.