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10 May 2024 | Story VALENTINO NDABA | Photo Supplied
Fun walk-run 2024
Step into fitness and fun at the UFS 5km Fun Run and Walk. Join us on 11 May at 6am at the Francois Retief Building, Bloemfontein Campus.

The heartbeat of the University of the Free State (UFS) is pulsing with excitement as the Faculty of Health Sciences gears up to host an event that promises to unite the campus and the Bloemfontein community in a celebration of health, vitality, and camaraderie as we mark Africa Month. Get your running shoes laced and your spirits high because on 11 May 2024, it’s time to join the free 5km Fun Run and Walk.

Date: 11 May 2024  
Time: 06:00  
Venue: Francois Retief Building, Bloemfontein Campus  

Why should you join?

Picture this: The crisp morning air filled with the rhythm of lively beats, the sun gently rising over the iconic Francois Retief Building, and a sea of smiling faces ready to embark on a journey of fitness and fun. The 5km fun run and walk is not just about breaking a sweat; it’s about fostering a sense of togetherness, promoting mental wellness, and embracing the joy of movement.

“Exercise should be fun. Most people believe that spending long hours exercising produces better results, whereas we want to encourage and show people that exercise should not feel like work – it should be fun,” says Jabulile Mabina, Assistant Officer at KovsieFit Gym.

Leading the charge in the fitness fiesta is KovsieFit, bringing its signature blend of energy and enthusiasm to the event. Mabina will guide participants through an invigorating aerobics session guaranteed to get those endorphins flowing and those muscles warmed up for the main event. Remember, exercise isn’t just about sculpting the body; it’s about nourishing the mind and soul too.

Community, connection, and compassion

At the heart of the fun run and walk lies a deeper purpose – to raise awareness about mental health and to foster a sense of community spirit as we celebrate Africa Month. Reuben Maeko, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer at the Faculty of Health Sciences, says: “The vision of the faculty of Health Sciences is to be research led and innovative, people centred, regionally engaged, and globally competitive. We prioritise the well-being of our students and staff by organising events that promote healthy lifestyles. Our focus is on our community, placing our people at the forefront of all our endeavours. Moreover, this event will underscore the importance of physical activity for students, keeping them active and healthy.”

This sentiment resonates with the theme for the 2024 Africa Month, which is World Citizenship and African Higher Education: Preparing Students for a Connected World.

Prizes galore

What’s a celebration without some rewards? Thanks to the generous support of sponsors like Standard Bank, Steers and Debonairs, Pimento, and Rhythm Finance, participants stand the chance to win an array of exciting prizes. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a leisurely walker soaking in the sights, there’s something for everyone to look forward to.

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and lace up those running shoes because the UFS 5km Fun Run and Walk awaits. Whether you’re a staff member, a student, or a member of the Bloemfontein community, come join us as we step, stride, and smile our way to a healthier, happier tomorrow. Remember, it’s not just a run; it’s a journey of joy, unity, and well-being. See you at the starting line.

News Archive

UFS hikers to Cape Town reflect on their journey
2014-05-26

 

For the four volunteers from the university who are currently on their way to the Cape on foot, every hour of every day is a victory.

It is three weeks since two employees from the University of the Free State (UFS), Adéle van Aswegen and Ntokozo Nkabinde, together with two other Bloemfontein residents, Nico Piedt and Ronel Warner, left Bloemfontein on fóót for the Cape, in order to highlight the problem of food insecurity among students.

On Sunday 18 May they crossed the halfway mark at Beaufort West and will conclude their journey on Tuesday 3 June in Cape Town.

This is what the hikers have to say after three weeks on the road:

Adéle van Aswegen
It isn’t only a physical journey, but rather an emotional journey you undertake. You learn what it means to be truly thankful for basic things like clothes, a place to sleep and food.

Nico Piedt
I know what it feels like to survive on only a glass of water in your stomach – a cup of weak tea if you’re lucky – for the whole day. If I can help (through the hike) to give someone a better chance in life, then it is worthwhile.

Ronel Warner
You think and grow simultaneously. As you plan every stride ahead of you, you also plan your life ahead.

Ntokozo Nkabinde
You don’t walk for yourself. You undertake this journey, maybe because you want to help someone, but this journey is actually in honour of something bigger and you just have to endure.”

These boots are made for walking ... to Cape Town (Article of 02 May 2014)
“Aren’t auntie and them hungry yet?” Country folk worried about NSH hikers (15 May 2014)

Daily updates:
(You can also follow us on @UFSweb for daily tweets)

Day 33: 2 June 2014
13:40
20 km
Sunset Beach, Cape Town

Day 32: 1 June 2014
16:05
26 km
Mervyn and Sanet Wessels, Belville

Day 31: 31 May 2014
16:31
39.6 km
Rhonell and Gavin Julain, Paarl

Day 30: 30 May 2014
14:00
16 km
Monte Rosa, Rawsonville

Day 29: 29 May 2014
13:16
31 km
The Habit, Worcester

Day 28: 28 May 2014
11:00
22.4 km
Monte Roza, De doorns

Day 27: 27 May 2014
17:00
21.1 km
Karoo Hotel

Day 26: 26 May 2014
18:27
43.3 km
Tows river

Day 25: 25 May 2014
12:18
Lord Milner Hotel, Matjiesfontein

Day 24: 24 May 2014
16:30
42 km
Laingsburg Country Lodge

Day 23: 23 May 2014
17:32
41.8 km
Vergenoeg

Day 22: 22 May 2014
16:42
43 km
Assendelft Lodge and Bush Camp, Prins Albert

Day 21: 21 May 2014
15:09
42 km
Leeu Gamka Hotel

Day 20: 20 May 2014
13:39
20 km
Alida, Springfontein

Day 19: 19 May 2014
12:31
27.6 km
Teri Moja Game Lodge

Day 18: 18 May 2014
First rest day
Nagenoeg Guesthouse, Beaufort West

Day 17: 17 May 2014
19:30
62.3 km
Nagenoeg Guesthouse, Beaufort West

Day 16: 16 May 2014
13:00
14 km
Taaibochfontein

Day 15: 15 May 2014
16:03
32 km
Travalia, Three Sisters

Day 14: 14 May 2014
18:33
43 km
Joalani Guest Farm

Day 13: 13 May 2014
17:30
33 km
Die Rondawels

Day 12: 12 May 2014
16:49
40 km
Aandrus B&B in Richmond

Day 11: 11 May 2014
39 km
Wortelfontein (Magdel and Christiaan)

Day 10: 10 May 2014
15:44
34 km
Hanover Lodge

Day 9: 09 May 2014
40.8 km
Camping between Colesberg and Hanover

Day 8: 08 May 2014
15:25
33.7 km
Colesberg, The Lighthouse Guesthouse

Day 7: 07 May 2014
15:08
23 km
Orange River Lodge

Day 6: 06 May 2014
15:57
51.06 km
Gariep Forever Resort

Day 5: 05 May 2014
12:18
28 km
Rondefontein

Day 4: 04 May 2014
15:27
35 km
Trompsburg: Fox Den

Day 3: 03 May 2014
17:30
46.74 km
Edenburg Country Lodge (Hotel)

Day 2: 02 May 2014
11:44 am
15.3 km
Tom's Place

Day 1: 01 May 2014
32 km
Leeuwberg

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