Athletics Club Eersterust (ACE), a community-based club in Eersterust, will host a half marathon on Saturday, 11 February 2023, inviting people of all ages and fitness levels to join for a day of fun and community spirit.
The run route will start at 6am at the Eersterust Stadium with a 5km Fun Run and 10km walk/run option available to ensure everyone can participate.
“ACE runners are known in the community for our red and yellow kit. People wave, they light up when they see us, and shout, ‘Met ACE ja!’ when we pass by, which goes to show how entrenched our value and impact has been within Eersterust,” says ACE public relations officer, Eugene Eiman.
Having started the club in 1991, at a time when South Africa was still under the apartheid regime and communities of colour were dealing with the aftermath of the Group Areas Act, the founders needed to find ways to ignite community spirit and drive youth away from societal ills.
“Running provided an escape for men and women, boys and girls, and allowed them to enjoy a community-wide activity that also encouraged better health and fitness,” adds Eiman. “We do our best to give back to the community, and youth development is a major priority to us. As a result, we don’t charge a membership fee to juniors, pensioners and the unemployed in Eersterust and surrounding communities like Mamelodi and Eastlynn, encouraging them to do something worthwhile, free and healthy with their time.”
In its 32 years of existence, ACE has spearheaded several initiatives to help Eersterust residents in tough times, like delivering warm meals to people in the community who needed them through another food programme called Feed A Family, and providing refreshments and snacks at Eersterust primary schools inter-sport events.
ACE is a self-sustained club, paying for race and other expenses primarily through the fees it receives from members on an annual basis. Businesses in the local community have frequently pitched in with funding, donations and sponsorships through the years that have been of great help.“They’re not just putting money into the club – they’re helping the broader community to overcome the effects of its past and find healthier ways to move forward together,” adds Eiman.
This year, through its impactful endeavours, ACE has also garnered the attention of the largest fibre-to-the-home provider, Vuma, who’ve come onboard as the main sponsor of the race. “One of the ways Vuma is able to uplift and empower the community is by partnering with like-minded organisations that want to make a difference. We are proud to be a main sponsor at the upcoming race and it’s our privilege to be able to add value to a community with such a heart-warming history, and to be able to help make events like ACE’s half marathon possible through our partnership with them,” says Lianne Williams of Vuma.
To find out more about ACE and the half marathon event taking place on Saturday, 11 February 2023, you can visit our Facebook page for Athletics Club Eersterust, you can buy an entry on Enteonline.com, or contact Eugene Eiman on info@ace-club.org.za or on 0769066093.
