An urban cycling and running adventure are set to dominate some of Johannesburg’s green spaces next weekend. Sponsored by Hollard, the JURA is a fun-filled adventure run taking place at and around Marks Park on Saturday, 5 September, while JUMA is an urban mountain bike race starting from the same venue on Sunday 6 September. Both routes pass through The Braamfontein Spruit, conservancies, stormwater drains and other public areas of Johannesburg and are jam-packed with obstacles, tunnels and floating bridges to get participants’ heart rates pumping.
Commenting on Hollard’s involvement in JUMA and JURA, Warwick Bloom, General Manager for Communications at Hollard, explains that Hollard has a keen interest in cycling in general and cycling in Johannesburg in particular.
“Besides sponsoring and participating in the annual charity Change A Life Cycle Tour for the last four years, we also sponsored March’s Freedom Ride in Jozi and are sponsoring another Freedom Ride in October, and we are active supporters of the introduction of inner-city cycling lanes in Johannesburg, says Bloom. “Many Hollardites, including our CEO, are avid cyclists, and we have even developed cycling-specific insurance products with our broker partners.”
“But we are also passionate about our city - Joburg is beautiful and we want to be part of helping residents to get out there, discover its hidden gems and find new ways to enjoy what it has to offer. Even if you’re not an avid cyclist, there’s plenty to see and do – you could do the JURA, which is a run with a difference, or you could simply join in the festivities as a spectator. We encourage families to come down to Marks Park and get involved in some good, healthy fun,” he says.
The JUMA took place for the first time in 2014 and more than 3 000 cyclists braved several challenging obstacles set out throughout Joburg’s greenbelt. This year, organisers have promised an even more demanding set of obstacles, but a premium has been placed on safety and competitors will have the option of avoiding some of the more technical hurdles.
The race also has a strong social focus and will create many jobs, support several charities, and uplift the Braamfontein Spruit area and its surrounding facilities (Braamfontein Spruit is the city’s longest and most well-utilised stream).
Bloom concludes: “It’s Spring. What better way to get out there, and enjoy the fresh Jozi air! We look forward to seeing Jozi residents enjoying this exciting adventure".
