FRATPACKER WORLD.

They told us we could run for president and government but then they locked us out so the hunger to run wasn’t satisfied and just kept growing to the point we couldn’t run from it anymore and started running for it. We started running so much that it started becoming a groove. The run clubs were born and have not stopped since then and we are in desperate need of some condoms, birth control or a plan B to all these run clubs because at some point, we have to stop. Where’s the finish line and what is it?

I know the first reason people point to is the health factor of it but then why not a health club where we exchange different meal ideas, exercises, tips and tricks, activities and etc. It feels like really, we are just running looking for community and instead of taking time to research, invest in and build these communities, people just see the easy trend happening and create communities around that. I have no problem with running but just the mass run club movement and I don’t really know why because it isn’t hurting anyone but there are just too many run clubs.

If we’re talking health and physical activities then I’d rather any sport club; basketball, volleyball, netball, hockey, football, table tennis, tennis, rugby, cricket, etc. Then you the cultural clubs like chess, book clubs, movie clubs, art clubs, food clubs, gaming clubs, and I’m sure there are many more. I would hope that there are some out there in South Africa and if not, then hopefully this can be a call to show much they are needed. Having a hobby is a great thing. It’s a privilege and it’s a privilege that I would like us to explore to the max because these social clubs open new doorways, opportunities and perceptions to life and what one can be. A simple chess club could inspire someone to want to be the greatest grandmaster of all time. A monthly book club inspire the next great author of a generation.  These are the spaces where we don’t just learn new skills, interest and introspection but we learn to socialise, create new bonds and relationships and learn ourselves through interacting with others.

Now not to say that you can’t get any of this from a run club. I also do understand the safety benefits of being in a run club and running in a group together. Stronger together than alone and rather safe than sorry. It’s just that when you look at our country and how much diversity we have to offer as a people, I find it strange that we don’t see that in the offerings of these social clubs. With sports it’s different, as I listed in the previous paragraph, there is a wide variety of sports even if the sport is niche. Did you know South Africa has an NFL Flag Football League and national team? For those who don’t know the NFL stands for National Football League and is the official league and governing body for American Football. Sorry for the tangent but the point is that no matter how niche the subject may be, there will be a community for it in this diverse country of ours.

Yes, running is a physical activity and a sport but I don’t believe people join the club for that component of it but more so the social component. As mentioned above it does provide safety for many which in itself builds a community and then post-run coffees, beverages and lunches allows for the members to socialise and get to build deeper bonds and connections with others. For those reasons, I see it more in the sports club space rather than with your chess clubs, book clubs, movie clubs, games club (where we play different board and card clubs every month), food clubs (where people come share recipes and meals), and whatever other clubs that can provide the home and foundation for a community to be able live, grow and build.

You see when I break it down for you, there’s no hate or malice in my heart for run clubs but just the lack of creativity we are seeing in how we are choosing to look and build communities outside of groove and entertainment spaces. I think about how we talk about as young black South Africans we don’t know our history enough but if there was a history club that had different topics monthly and met-up weekly to discuss and dissect these topics it might make it easier for people to learn and discover because doing all the research alone might feel overwhelming for anybody. Political clubs where we can learn how parliament works and have mock cabinet sessions and debates. Debate clubs, theatre clubs (where people get together to conceptualise and put together plays), improv clubs and the more I think of the diversity and possibilities in our country the more I just see more we can be doing for ourselves.

I know that it’s always easier said than done because these clubs just aren’t built off a whim and a wish but it needs people with the passion, dedication and love to make it happen. The administrative responsibilities and duties are no joke and especially when everyone is looking at you to be the foundation and glue that keeps everything together. They say build it and they shall come but how do they once it has been built and that it’s open to all to join. Yes, it is hard work and a fight but I surely believe it is worth the cause and should we come together we could unlock so many possibilities for ourselves. I’m down to try anything and everything but please…NOT ANOTHER RUN CLUB!!!