A beautiful day marked the culmination of the sauntering of 65 Durban University of Technology (DUT) staff members who gave it their all at the 34th SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge. The exciting walk/run sporting event took place in Durban, last Sunday, 23 June 2024.

The exhilarated DUT staff members got the privilege to run/walk around the scenic Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium area and along the Durban beachfront; with the race finishing on the outer fields of this beacon. The objective of this race for the DUT staff members was to promote employee health and friendship amongst colleagues.

A number of the DUT participants admitted this to be their first experience. They committed to many more, after the fun that was had with some 12 000 overall participants.

Hlamarisa Kubayi, Director: Facilities and Maintenance at DUT, expressed her excitement. “I thoroughly enjoyed running with the DUT team. The highlight for me was making the 5km in under 50 minutes, and keeping my pace,” she said jubilantly.

Nthanyiseni Dhumazi, the Chief Financial Officer indicated that it was the first time she had taken part in such a sporting event. She chuckled that her experience entailed just running and passing some DUT ladies on the way. She said it was important for the DUT ladies to participate in such events to just get some fresh air as well.

Soreshni Doyle from DUT Real Estate Management said that the race was fantastic and all participants possessed a great team spirit.  She had  completed the 5km walk/run in 37 minutes and was very proud of herself. “I’m not really into racing but I just did the race for the DUT team and to support the other ladies. I think it is a great initiative. It was fantastic that DUT supported its staff in participating in this event,” she said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa, who took part in the SPAR Women’s Challenge, spoke of the camaraderie, the spirit, the socialisation among the  DUT ladies which was phenomenal. “Well done to all the ladies, it was very good to see staff in a more relaxed environment and enjoying each other’s company outside of the office,” she commented.

All in all, every walker and runner in the sporting event enjoyed the ambiance that the 10/5km sporting event had brought to them as well as the great spirit of friendship while looking after health  amongst the participants of the SPAR Women’s Challenge.

#DUTWellness #DUTWomen #CommitmentUnlocked

Pictured: Some of DUT’s walkers/runners at the SPAR Women’s Challenge.

Waheeda Peters