Windhoek: Fit City

When it comes to relics of the pandemic, there isn’t much I remember fondly, save the walks.

At the beginning, when it seemed everything was “prohibited!” and the Namibian Defence Force roamed the streets ready to show chancers who’s boss, it did my heart good to join my fellow countryfolk in our newfound passion for morning walks, twilight runs or a winking feigning of fitness.

Four years later, the wealth of Windhoek city runs seem to be one of the few good things that recall an era that was largely atrocious. The large crowds of diverse beginners, amateurs and pros echoing those surreal scenes where masses walking through otherwise empty streets seemed like the most precious treat.

Though the Covid-19 years wreaked havoc on our mental and physical wellness, Windhoek’s blooming fitness culture feels like an antidote to our mutual, pandemic-era bed rotting. After all those lockdowns, that social distancing, the loss of people, liberty and life, we want to be outside.

We want to move, be fitter and to connect, because those are the things the pandemic stole.

Whether it’s big brands like Vivo Energy or Nedbank inviting the public to walk five kilometres, run 10 or stagger through the insanity of 21.1 or 42.2, Windhoekers come out in numbers. They fill the city centre. They curse their way up hills. They hold tight to that runner’s high on level ground and plod on with the determination that earns the faux gold medals each one poses with in pictures.

When it’s all said and done, Zoo Park comes alive with participants festive in branded shirts. And in the events’ vibrant multiculturalism, there is an inkling of the unity in diversity that the best nations all strive for.

The vibes, as they say, are immaculate. One almost wishes these city marathons would happen more often, along with increased alcohol-free, health-focused community building events.

Though the big, buzzy races are all the rage, associations like Windhoek City Runners Club enjoy and thrive without the fanfare.

At the Vivo Energy Windhoek Marathon, decked out in their club colours, Windhoek City Runners Club paints the city blue. But they’re actually a social running group that regularly meets up for training runs, long runs, time trials and hill sprints.

There’s a small yearly fee and, whenever I randomly happen upon their runners in the road, they seem to be having a blast.

For something a bit more casual and free, I’ve heard many people extol the virtues of the Windhoek Parkrun. Billed as a “free, fun, and friendly weekly 5K community event”, the run takes place at Windhoek Country Club in the vicinity of the golf course, every Saturday at 08h00 sharp.

Participants are invited to walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. Dogs are welcome and there’s coffee afterwards. If you want to take it slower or head out in your own time, another favourite fitness spot is Avis Dam.

At 07h00 on a crisp Tuesday morning, I head out with my friend Paddy, who shows me the ropes. He recommends the early hour because, any later, the blazing sun will have us for breakfast.

The lack of water below the bridge makes the reality of Namibia’s ongoing drought hit home, but the scenes out there are splendid. Birds glide on what water there is. Reeds reach for the sky in elegant extensions and the peaks feel ancient and inviting.

That morning, for my sake, we walk.

But Paddy also runs the trails which meander up into the hills and spirit you to views that soothe the soul and foster a deep appreciation for the beauty of our homeland.

Between the Vivo Energy Windhoek Marathon, which I was proud to complete earlier this year, and my excursion to Avis Dam, I’m beginning to think of Windhoek as more than just the rat race.

There’s healing here.

There are running clubs, marathons and terrific trails. Windhoek is gradually becoming a fit city.

And everyone is welcome.

–  martha@namibian.com.na ; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com