Historic temple hosts successful fun run to mark 150-year milestone
Promoting healthy lifestyle
The top five female finishers from left, Meera Haripershad, Sharoma Sahadew, Cordelia Kisten, Molly Parasarman and Junhee Seo
Image: SUPPLIED
RACHEL VADI
NEARLY 200 participants braved heavy rain and wind to take part in the Shree Emperumal Hindu Temple's inaugural 5km fun run/walk, marking 150 years since the temple's establishment.
The event showcased both athletic achievement and deep family connections to one of South Africa's oldest Hindu temples.
Taking first place in the male category was Verulam Athletic Club’s Vukani Maphumulo. Second was Ricky Naidoo of Woodview Athletic Club, Rajesh Booplal (third), Thabo Mthembu (fourth) Radhanath Manhohar (fifth).
Cordelia Kisten came first in the ladies race, followed by Sharoma Sahadew, Molly Parasarman, Meera Haripershad and Korean visitor Junhee Seo.
Last to cross the finish line was Priscilla Dhaniram who ran with other family members in
remembrance of their deceased family members.
“I did the walk in memory of my late parents, grandparents and relatives. I am not an athlete, and have health issues. The walk was tiring, but I made sure I completed it,” said Dhaniram.
“My grandparents lived in the temple yard more than fifty years ago. At that time there were no buildings or factories. Our family has been coming to the temple since it was established. We did the race as a family because we want to be a part of the 150th year celebrations,” she added.
The top four male finishers from left, Rajesh Booplal, Vukani Maphumulo, Ricky Naidoo and Thabo Mthembu
Image: SUPPLIED
Temple chairman, Tino Govender, said he was very happy with the turnout for the day.
“We want to thank everyone who made this day's event a success. I was amazed at Vukani’s speed. I was on my bike following him and could not keep up.”
Govender said this event was the first of its kind for the temple.
“When we were planning for this historical 150-year celebration, the suggestion was made to host a fun run, as a means of introducing a healthy lifestyle to the community. There are now calls to make this an annual event,” added Govender.
The Shree Emperumal Hindu Temple is one of the earliest Hindu temples in South Africa, founded by Indian indentured labourers who arrived in Natal in 1860.
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