31on31 race tackles mental health challenges
31 Dec 2024
The 2024 edition of the annual 31on31 race took place this morning with participants ending the year with 31km of running and cycling. Through the race, which is in its fourth year, running enthusiasts race to find positivity in the year that was.
"We find 31 reasons to be grateful for in the 365 days of a year. There are many reasons to be thankful for, but we only run 31kms to be grateful for the year," said organiser of the race Ben Bwalya.
Bwalya said each year they choose a theme to run with. In 2023 the 31on31 race focused on cancer awareness, and the 2024 race focused on mental health.
"We emphasise on mental health because we see many challenges of mental health, where almost every family knows someone with a mental health issue," Bwalya said.
The race therefore, Bwalya said, sensitised people on mental health challenges, and further encouraged dialogue on the issue.
Bwalya said the race incorporated people with disabilities as well as cyclists.
The disabled athletes on wheelchair however run 16km while the cyclists do a full run of the race.
Also, Bwalya said cyclists provided and assisted with safety management on the road.
"The cyclists create safety around the runners and ride with them as well," he said adding that 31on31 race had partnered with Cycle4Life cycling club and Tsela Riders cycling club as volunteers for support in the race.
Winners of the 31on31 categories; female and male as well as female and male disabled athletes pocketed P3 100 each.
Source : BOPA
Author : Ketshepile More
Location : Gaborone
Event : cycling race
Date : 31 Dec 2024
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