Run Jozi

I think the last thing I posted was about this race. The race took place last Wednesday night, yes I said night, in down town Johannesburg. Nike organized this race and have been putting them on all around the world apparently.  When we heard about it Jeff and I were totally in. We loved the idea of being able to run in our city. Jeff even lived in one of the buildings we ran past when he was a baby and played rugby at Ellis Park Stadium we also passed,where the province team the Lions play. He's definitely not into long distance running, but will take up the occasional 10K with me when the mood strikes him.

The race was amazingly organized. The course was well lit and there were lots of police along the route so nothing dicey happened, I mean this is still Johannesburg so safety is an issue ALL THE TIME.  I loved so much about this race:

1. The awesome shirts and goodies Nike gave all the runners(see below), the free personalization they allowed when picking up your race pack(see below).
2. The 10,000 people running the race with you( I kid you not, 10,000 people running to take back the streets from crime, incredible).
3. The amazing vibe the entire way.
4. All the people who live in those areas were down on the streets cheering you on, hanging out of their windows in their flats in Hillbrow, blowing their vuvuzelas as you ran past their area. The little kids standing on the sides of the road holding out their hands to be high-fived as you ran past them.

Wow! What an amazing race and an amazing time. There is talk of having another one next year and Nike  would be fools not to do it with the huge turn out. I hope and pray things like this begin a turnaround in our great city.

p.s. Will tell you all about Asher's first birthday party that we had for him today later in the week.