{"id":95095,"date":"2015-07-22T15:06:00","date_gmt":"2015-07-22T13:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/95095\/athletes-keep-fit-at-walkathon\/"},"modified":"2015-07-22T15:02:29","modified_gmt":"2015-07-22T13:02:29","slug":"athletes-keep-fit-at-walkathon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/sports-news\/2015\/07\/22\/athletes-keep-fit-at-walkathon\/","title":{"rendered":"Athletes keep fit at walkathon"},"content":{"rendered":"

Germiston Lake was the venue for athletes who wanted to keep fit as part of their 67 Minutes for Mandela, on Saturday (July 18).<\/p>\n

They headed down to the lake for Isiqalo Nesiphetho\u2019s Walkathon.<\/p>

<\/div>\n

\u201cIsiqalo Nesiphetho is a non-profit organisation that was established in 2009, with the primary purpose of creating a development platform for children, youth and adults,\u201d said the organisation\u2019s project manager, Lerato Zwane.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe funds raised will contribute towards obtaining better operating premises, as our current premises are not ideal, because our children have to sit on the floor while they eat.<\/p>

<\/div>\n

\u201cThrough the walk we would also like to promote healthy living.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zwane told the GCN that they had anticipated a bigger number of participants.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were expecting a big turnout; there were close to 200 people, including children, which was completely far from the 3 000 we had hoped for,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, we appreciate everybody who came; it was a day well spent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katlehong\u2019s Paul Majola was the first male athlete to complete the 5.2km walkathon.<\/p>\n

\u201cI enjoyed the walk and it felt great to inspire children to become healthy adults,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cExercise doesn\u2019t go with how old you are, you just have to be determined to keep fit at all times.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am a member of the Everite Athletics Club and this was my second year taking part in the Comrades Marathon.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was also great to be doing the walk on Mandela Day; we have to follow the lead that he left behind, it is a great day to celebrate him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trailing behind Majola was Thulani Sishange, the second male finisher.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe race was refreshing and I would do it again,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Phindile Mbuyisa was the first female finisher, followed by Seipati Mkwanazi in second place, both of whom also found the race refreshing.<\/p>\n

A jumping castle was part of the entertainment provided for children to enjoy throughout the day.<\/p>\n