On 16 September 2023, HeronBridge College and Planet Fitness hosted their second annual Nqoba Challenge, a fun-filled obstacle course for the whole family.

Developed with the ambition of creating an outdoor event for families of all ages and sizes, the Nqoba Challenge offers 5km, 3km and 1km routes of giant inflatables, tyre jumps, rope climbs, and an array of exciting under and over challenges, all run through the HeronBridge College campus which is situated in Fourways along the Jukskei river.

“We wanted to create an event that celebrates community, spring and all the joys that come with this time of year” says JP Lübbe, Head of the prep school at HeronBridge College. “The word ‘Nqoba’ means to overcome, and what better way to shake off winter and the challenges that we are facing as a nation, than with a fun-filled obstacle course just before Heritage Day!”

The event on the 16th saw over 1000 people descend on the HBC sports campus, with most families opting for the challenging 5km and interactive 3km routes. “It’s tougher than you think” said one of the moms after running the 3km “my daughter was so excited to get through all the obstacles, she almost left me behind! But what a fantastic day out, we loved every minute.”

Although the event started at 08h00, families that participated in the Nqoba Challenge were content to make the most of the sunshine and entertainment on offer, and stayed well after their race had finished, enjoying the food, coffee and ice-cream vendors, hilarious dad-jokes by the MC, and the general good vibes.

In a surprise addition to the fun of this year’s challenge, entertainment on the day also included a dodge-ball arena for parents, staff and children, as well as spot prizes and jumping castles for the little ones. Squeals of laughter could be heard across the sports field, as parents and children alike dodged incoming balls while bouncing off inflatable walls, and ran under, over and through a bunch of obstacles.

“The Nqoba Challenge is more than just a fun day out” says Warren Sasman-Bowie, events manager at Planet Fitness. “It’s an opportunity for families to participate in something healthy and fitness-oriented, together. The earlier we introduce health and wellness to our children, the more likely they are to enjoy it later, and we have been thrilled to partner with HeronBridge College on finding the sweet spot between fun and fitness.”

If you missed this year’s Nqoba Challenge, make sure to save the date for next year and pencil the 14th of September 2024 into your diaries.

For more info about HeronBridge College and the initiatives that they have planned for the year, contact them on info.heronbridge@curro.co.za or visit their website on www.heronbridge.co.za

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