On the 24 June Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) hosted the second edition of the Iyonayona 5km &10km fun run and walk at KwaMsane Open Door Gym.

Iyonayona (‘this is the one’) is a youth-focused event that aims to encourage communities to adopt a healthy lifestyle through exercise.

AHRI staff and community members showed up in numbers, with more than 200 people ultimately participating. Following the warmup routines, the runners were all set with Mtubatuba Municipality Speaker  Mrs Sibongile  Shezi sounding a gong to start the race.

The race started and ended at the KwaMsane Open Door Gym, with runners of all ages and walks of life participating, testament to the fact that you are not too old or too young to practice a healthier lifestyle.

(Above photo: Winner of the 10km mens’ race, Minenhle Myeni)

KwaMsane SAPs station commander Colonel Bhekumpukunyoni  Mdletshe expressed his excitement about the event, and encouraged AHRI to mobilising youth for a such initiatives because they help decrease the crime rate in our communities. “It takes youth away from the streets and gives them something to focus their energies on,” he said.

AHRI chief advancement officer and executive committee member Munyadziwa Rabambi thanked the community of KwaMsane for partnering with AHRI on the race.

( Above photo: Iyonayona fun run medalists)

The day came to an end with a medal presentation ceremony, some light refreshments, and a little bit of dancing for those whose muscles had recovered from the race.

Until next year: IYONAYONA, Try it, Its Healthy! Zonke Bonke 2023

Results of the race:

10KM results

Females 

Snothile  Mthiyane

Sibongakonke Myeni

Nike Dlomo

Males

Minenhle Myeni

Ntando Mdletshe

Zwelakhe Mdletshe

5KM results

Females

Ntombani Mdletshe

Luyanda Ngcobo

Snethembelihle  Ntuli

Males

Ntuthuko Mdladla

Similo Zungu

Zamani Msomi

Nelisa Gumede