They say that those who get up at 5:00a.m. every morning achieve so much more than those of us who, after three alarms have gone off, manage to crawl out of bed half an hour before we need to be at work. Not only do they achieve more, but they are healthier and more balanced too! To many of us, the thought of getting up this early is mad, but not to Tiki Tonga Coffee.
The Tiki Run was started in April 2019, when 15 passionate runners were looking for a place where they could enjoy great coffee after their early morning run. As Tiki Tonga is nearly as passionate about sports as they are about coffee, the team in Umhlanga was happy to open half an hour earlier to make it possible for those runners to get their early morning fix before starting their day. Fast forward a year and there are now around 120 runners that take part in the Tiki Run every Wednesday morning at 5:30a.m. The run starts and ends at Tiki Tonga, with there being both a five and an eight kilometre route available for both walkers and runners, depending on what you prefer. Anybody can participate, and you’ll see serious athletes, those who enjoy the odd run, moms and dads with prams, dogs and even kids! The vibe is amazing and it’s easy to understand why this has become a popular weekly ritual, not to mention the coffee after the run is also free!
Tiki Tonga was started by rugby player, Brad Barrit, so it makes sense that they would have a keen interest in sport and fitness. As co-owner, Dean Grove, explained to us, they encourage people to choose coffee as a natural energizer or pre or post-training ritual instead of your sugary energy drinks, and having the run start and finish at the coffee shop means that the runners have easy access to great coffee right there and then. Tiki Tonga is in the perfect location for Umhlanga residents who take part in the run each week, and it truly embodies the movement towards healthier lifestyles that is bringing people from other parts of the country to the East Coast. The Tiki Run takes place throughout the year, come summer or winter, and in December there are a number of holidaymakers that join in too. In fact, some Joburgers who frequently visit the Tiki Tonga store in Melrose Arch want to now start their own one! Last December, the team held a Santa-themed run, where runners had to dress up in Santa outfits. They have also had a lumo-themed run, so there is an element of fun too.
After completing the run or walk, the runners are treated to a delicious Tiki Tonga coffee, sponsored by a business. Each month there is a new sponsor, so the runners can enjoy one coffee that they don’t have to pay for in the morning, and the businesses gain some valuable exposure. The team at Tiki Tonga decided to host their run on a Wednesday, because it was the only day that other running clubs in the area were not hosting early morning runs. While many runners start at the shop, others will join in along the way as they complete their own morning runs. Depending on how fast you go, by 6:30 or 7:00 you would have done your exercise for the day, had your first cup of coffee and are ready to take on the day ahead. How fantastic!
If your New Year’s resolutions were to get fit, lose weight or lead a healthier lifestyle, or if you love running, or are up early with the kids and looking for a way to release some energy and get a cup of coffee (or if you are just motivated by a weekly free coffee!) then the Tiki Run is for you! The FabTeam may even join one morning!