By: Sandile Zikhali

With the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer, Durbanites are taking advantage by throwing on their running shoes and heading to the city’s “free training grounds”.

The Greyville Racecourse recently opened doors for the public to jog, cycle and walk their dogs on a track that is used by ambulances during race meetings.  The now tarred track is a full 3km long and now includes a Polytrack, which is an all-weather track to permit racing.

Public Relations Manager for the Greyville Race Course, Gill Simpkins said, “People who want to exercise can come through, but we need to stress that there are no dogs allowed and people must not walk on the Polytrack or the grass track.”

The eThekwini Municipality is doing their part in creating a healthy city. Tozi Mthethwa, Head of Communications at the eThekwini Municipality, said that they are introducing programmes that will cater for people who can’t afford professional fitness programmes.

“The city wants to improve the quality of life for all its citizens and to encourage fitness by assisting those who can’t afford professional fitness programmes,” Mthethwa said.

One of the free fitness programmes introduced are the free gyms around Durban, one of them located at Bulwer Park in Glenwood.  This site was funded by the eThekwini Municipality, Provincial Department of Sports and the Department of Co-operative Governance.

Residents who live around Glenwood are putting this gym to good use as the area is packed every afternoon with people who want to get fit and stay fit as summer is just around the corner.

Thabani Shoyisa, an athletic who runs for the NRB Harriers, says the park is the perfect place to jog without being disturbed.

“I come here to jog and sprint since there is no traffic.  I would advise people to make use of such facilities to stay healthy and limit their chances of getting sick,” Shoyisa said.

Another fitness fanatic, Sphephelo Cele said, “I have only been here for three weeks but already I can see the difference. I feel healthy and fit.  This is also another way of distancing yourself from bad things which can be dangerous to you and your health.”