Fresh sea air and views from East London’s Esplanade will welcome runners and walkers at the SPAR Daily Dispatch Summer Fun Run at the Orient Beach pools on Sunday October 8.
The two routes — one of 8km and one of 4km — are wheelchair-accessible, which is fitting since the beneficiary of this year’s event is the Association for the Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities, better known as Rehab.
Online entries are open until October 2. Late entries will be accepted with a slight surcharge.
Rehab is an NPO established in 1997 through the amalgamation of the former East London Society for the Blind, East London Mental Health and East London Cripple Care, and offers social support as well as rehabilitation services.
The organisation’s main focus is on physical disability.
Reuben Puchert, Rehab board chair, said the NPO aimed to create independent individuals integrated into society.
“We don’t want to see disabled people being marginalised and sitting in the corner while there are many things they can participate in as active members in society.”
Twizza sales manager Stan Andrews said: “We are excited to be the executive refreshment partner with the Daily Dispatch.
“We always love it when the community comes out in numbers to be active.”
Bonnie Currin, from Current Consulting, is the fun run’s ambassador.
“I am keen to represent such an iconic event which brings hundreds of families and friends together to enjoy a healthy outing,” Currin said.
“I am even more proud of encouraging the East London community to come out and have fun while contributing to a local charity which supports people with disabilities.”
Fun run ambassador Simone Klaasen said being part of the “an amazing initiative is always a blessing”.
“We need to run and walk together and help spread the magic of love and kindness.”
Dispatch marketing manager Kim Daly said the fun run would fill the Esplanade.
“The SPAR Daily Dispatch Fun Run is a chance to give back.
“Our runners will donate their preloved trainers to be distributed to those in need.
“We’d encourage everyone to donate preloved trainers and drop them off at the Daily Dispatch offices in Beacon Bay or Gussies Gifting and Stationery in Nahoon.”
The 8km event will follow the same route as last year, with entrants pounding their way along the Esplanade into Court Crescent, then Moore Street, John Bailie Road into Turnberry Avenue and Hoylake Road and back down to Orient Pools.
The 4km route will see entrants enjoying the scenic route along the Esplanade, turning at the SPAR Lighthouse and back to Orient Pools.
Readers can enter online via Entry Tickets, or in person at Sportsmans Warehouse and the Daily Dispatch offices in Beacon Bay, or Gussies Gifting and Stationery.
Entry fees are R110 for 8km adults; R90 for 8km U16s; R90 for 4km adults; and R70 for 4km U16s.
Late entries will be accepted at Gussies on Friday October 6, from 1pm to 6pm at an extra R20 each.
Corporate entries of more than 15 people will receive a discount. For more information email funrun@arena.africa.
The first 1,500 entrants receive a T-shirt with a race number. Race times will feature in the Daily Dispatch on Tuesday October 10.
Participants can pick up their race numbers from Gussies on Friday October 6, from 1pm to 6pm, and Saturday October 7 from 10am to 2pm.
They should bring their proof of payment with them.
Readers should follow the SPAR Daily Dispatch Summer Fun Run for more information and to stand a chance to win their share of R15,000 in SPAR vouchers.
For any queries, please contact funrun@arena.africa or enter at: https://www.dispatchlive.co.za/pages/spardailydispatchfunrun2023/
DispatchLIVE