Church promotes healthy lifestyles at fun run

Tsakani – All Souls Anglican Parish Tsakane held a health day fun run on October 19 to promote health and unity between the church and community members.

The event was inspired and co-ordinated by Basetsana Sefoloshe, who is part of the church council. She received support from her team, church members and the Tsakane Running Club.

“This was our first annual health day event aimed at bringing the community together for an inspiring day of fitness and health awareness.

“The church start hosting health day programmes five years ago. When the initiative started, its aim was to teach congregants about different sicknesses so they could be knowledgeable,” said Sefoloshe.

Sefoloshe said the church decided to do things differently this year and share their knowledge with the community through their health day fun run.

“The event featured 5km and 10km fun run routes, welcoming participants of all levels, from amateurs to seasoned runners.

“Attendees also enjoyed an aerobics session which helped with stretching and engaging with one another. There was also a kiddies’ section which entailed obstacle course and jumping castles.

“This area kept the children entertained while their parents were busy with aerobics and some at the vibrant market that sold food, beverages, books, and hand-crafted jewellery,” she said.

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The day focused on promoting health. Mobile health services were invited to render services such as HIV testing and blood pressure checks.

“Health promoters encouraged healthy living,” she said.

The event had cyclists who helped the elders on the road. Tsakane Running Club also assisted those that remained behind during the run.

The church council prioritised safety by organising community patrollers to assist with parking, security and traffic control on the road.

“The event received support from various stakeholders. The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture provided us with 150 medals.

“We also had over 200 participants. The event promises to become an annual tradition that fosters community spirit while raising awareness on crucial health matters,” she concluded.