Urithi Benefit Run hailed as success as club raises funds for deserving community organisations

For a club that was only formed in 2019, Urithi Athletics Club is making great strides in changing the running landscape for the better. The club whose name means legacy in Swahili, held it's third Annual Benefit Run on the 3rd of December 2022 - the aim of which was to continue on their march towards hosting their first official race in 2023 which will give opportunity to promising future champions.

"This year’s instalment had a different twist in that it wasn’t the usual 5km, 10km and 21km held out in Muldersdrift as was the case in the past two years. The run was a 5km and 8km Fun Run in the West Rand which went through the full process of JOC, as part of its application process for an official race under CGA. We are holding thumbs that the race application will be approved, as the plan is to host a 5km, 10km and 21km fast development race next year that will reward our elites," said Urithi chairperson Brenda Marolen.

In addition to being a dry run for a fully-fledged race in 2023, this year's Urithi Annual Benefit Run which attracted scores of runners was also celebrated as a success for what it achieved to raise funds for deserving community organisations. Along with a Golf Day which took place on the 24th November 2022, the club collected just over R12 000 in cash and kind which will be donated to two homes which play a crucial role in taking care of children on the west of Johannesburg.

"Two homes will benefit from the Fun Run. First the Teddy Bear Foundation in Krugersdorp which is a home for 144 abused and abandoned children between the ages of three and eighteen years will receive assistance. And then this year we also added the Florida Baby House which looks after fourteen abandoned infants between three months and three yers old. URITHI is serious about preparing future generations in all walks of life just like its running motto is: to prepare future champs," she explained.

The food vouchers will be distributed to the Florida Baby House on the 19th December 2022, while The Teddy Bear Foundation will receive theirs on the 16th of January 2023. Albany bakeries will distribute a total of the 300 loves bread to the two homes on a weekly basis from January until the cap of 300 is reached. A grateful Marolen thanked the running community and all who played their part in making the URITHI AC Benefit Run a success.

"A big thank you to all our partners who came on board this year. Albany for contributing the bread to the two homes and Virgin Active Constantia Park who donated the venue (parking and the use of its gym facilities for non-members of the gym). A special thank you the running fraternity that supported our vision and worthy cause. Runners were spoiled with a beautifully and carefully designed 5km and 8km run, followed by breakfast, all in attendance received a bucket hat and goodie bags as a token of appreciation from the URITHI AC family. See you next year!"