Get a taste of new fun run in PE

Thulani Gqirana

NELSON Mandela Bay fitness freaks and couch potatoes are in for a treat of a different kind when the first 5km Chocolate Run comes to the city in a few months' time.

Runners and walkers alike will be rewarded with liquid chocolate and pastries for every kilometre they finish in this fun run, which is about celebrating freedom, love, health and happiness while giving further momentum to the fight against women and child abuse in the community.

The Chocolate Run has had social media atwitter since it was announced this month and organiser Jason Gabriel believes the excitement is set to grow.

Gabriel said the run was a campaign urging communities in Port Elizabeth to come together and denounce all forms of violence against women and child abuse.

"The campaign also aims to challenge the perpetrators of violence to change their behaviour and also provide survivors with information on services and organisations that can help lessen the impact of violence on their lives."

He said it was also about "feeling good about yourself".

"People from diverse backgrounds will unite and indulge in the smooth taste of chocolate at every kilometre."

The 5km race, to be held on April 19 at Kings Beach, will start at 9am. It is "open to everyone who has tasted chocolate, and if you have not, then it's about time you did", Gabriel said.

To participate in the race, solo adult tickets cost R140, couples R130 each, teams of four R120 each and R50 for children under 12. Tickets will be available in the next two weeks.

"Proceeds will go to a local charity, which will be chosen by the sponsors," he said.

More information on the run is available at www.thechocolaterun.co.za.