Running the town with Runbase

Braamfontein’s Runbase is not just about running but yoga, boxing and general fitness training is also on offer. 
RUNNING, it seems, is back in fashion. And Braamfontein outfit Runbase is taking advantage of the trend and helping the young people reach their fitness goals.
Runbase is a running club which is based around the core function of running but also on offer are activities such as yoga and boxing amongst a few that are aligned with improving one’s running skills.
Sponsored by activewear brand Adidas, the club has been operating in the city for over a year now, ironically located close to hang out spot Kitcheners. A second club has recently been opened in Cape Town.
Adidas running ambassador, Ofentse “Daks” Dakile, 26, said that running clubs are a growing phenomenon for approximately the past four years, with one of the big running crews (Run Den) having started in London.
“People have found a whole new way to look at running. Instead of running being a thing where you’re trying to compete and finish marathons, it’s now become a more social and interactive activity,” said Dakile.
The members go beyond the physical and fitness ambitions of the club and have achieved a sense of community where motivating and pushing one another is part of the experience.
Dakile believes Runbase is in the right place at the right time. “Having Runbase in Braamfontein meant that we could target a younger demographic and establish a running culture.”
The club has an open door policy where anyone can come through and join at no cost. The running sessions happen on Mondays and Wednesday at 17:30pm as well as on Saturdays at 07:30am.
Dakile said this was Adidas’ way of offering a lifestyle instead of just a business. “They’re already a profitable organisation so running a programme of this kind for free is them trying to instill a certain culture and way of life in people.”
If you are wondering how safe it is to run in the inner city, then have no worries. Manager of Runbase, Taz Emeran, reiterated it is safe as they as “boosters” (ambassadors and trainers) test out the routes before they take people out on them and sticking together as a group also helps.
Newcomer to the club, Palesa Takalo seemed to have had a good first day but she had not expected the running to be difficult, “the Runbase family was helpful throughout the process, this makes coming back here easier for me,” she said.