Members of the Ikageng community and representatives of the North-West University (NWU) took part in the Ikageng fun run on the overcast Saturday morning of 23 September.

The primary goal of the event was to bring together diverse communities, including people of all races, genders and those who have special needs, to create a welcoming environment.

Among the participants were Comrades Marathon duo heroes Dr Adele Broodryk and Mr Tete Dijana.

The CEO of Ikageng Fun Run, Kgomotso Mafoko, decided to invite the NWU to participate in this annual event as it reached its eighth year.

“The NWU is the centre of sports in Potchefstroom, therefore I hope we can unite and establish a solid partnership. They have an outstanding sports complex, and this collaboration may enable us to host a Comrade’s qualifier in the future,” he explained.

NWU principal and vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka, agreed, saying events of this nature are ideal opportunities for the university to engage with the community.

“As an institution we will ensure we continue with this initiative. The event was a success, and we will help promote it going forward and incorporate it into one of our community engagement projects,” he said.

Kgomotso Mafoko says he is optimistic that the other two campuses, Mahikeng and Vanderbilpark will also host a fun run in the future.

There were two divisions for the race: five and ten kilometers. It began in the Ikageng stadium and travelled through the crowded streets of Ikageng, Promosa, Mohadin and Sonderwater.

The event, according to Mr Tete Dijana, was entertaining and a nice warm-up run for his major race the following day. “I had a nice time, and this race helped me get ready for tomorrow's ten-kilometer Absa Series race in Johannesburg,” he said.

Tshiamo Matlhoi, who participated in the fun run, said he enjoyed it and wants to participate in the Ikageng fun run again next year.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Tete Dijana and Dr Adele Broodryk.

Tete Dijana and Dr Adele Broodryk having fun in the ten-kilometer run.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Nkosinathi Tom and Feroza Brishmaer completing their five-kilometer run.