rUN ALEX
Athletics club
OVERVIEW
Every now and then, an initiative emerges that transforms how a community sees itself. Run Alex is one such initiative. What began as a simple running training group with a mission to change lifestyles in Alexandra township has evolved into something far greater—a registered athletics club driving real change in community health, youth development, and social wellbeing.
BACKGROUND
The story of Run Alex begins with inspiration drawn from the growing running culture across Gauteng province.
In January 2018, the Run Alex training group was founded to bring healthy living to Alexandra's residents. The founders had noticed a troubling gap: while running was becoming increasingly popular as both a sport and lifestyle choice throughout South Africa, township communities were being left behind.
Those first training sessions took place every Saturday and Sunday morning at KwaBhekilanga Sports Ground, starting at 6am. Runners could choose between two distances—6km for newcomers and 12km for those with more experience. On that very first day, 30 people showed up. Today, the group regularly welcomes over 100 runners each weekend.
This remarkable growth sparked something bigger. In 2020, Run Alex became officially registered with Athletics South Africa as a formal running club.
By 2021, the club launched its Junior Division, ensuring that young people in Alexandra have access to the same running opportunities available to children anywhere else in the country.
Beyond running, Run Alex recognized another critical need. Communities like Alexandra often receive health information last, particularly around complex diseases and conditions. The club stepped up, launching campaigns and information distribution initiatives to raise awareness about hidden health conditions affecting the community.
THE CLUB
Run Alex Athletics Club officially joined the Athletics South Africa family in 2020 under Central Gauteng Athletics. This registration opened doors for members to compete in major races, both locally and internationally.
The timing wasn't ideal—the club was formalized during the Covid-19 pandemic when the world stood still. Yet Run Alex pushed forward. Despite the challenges, the club maintained steady growth and now boasts 82 registered adult members.
Weekly training runs remain at the heart of what Run Alex does. These sessions are open to everyone in the community, completely free of charge, with the City of Johannesburg providing facilities. It's through these open sessions that Run Alex continues to introduce community members to running as a lifestyle. Some eventually join the formal club structure; others prefer to keep training casually. Either way, they're welcomed.
health awareness
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- OUR TRAINING ROUTE ARE SOME OF THE BEST AROUND -