Bay's first Chocolate Run well supported

MORE than 1300 people took part in Nelson Mandela Bay's first ever 5km Chocolate Run at the weekend.

Children and adults from as far afield as Johannesburg flocked to Kings Beach on Saturday to participate in the event held to help raise awareness for victims of abuse.

The exact amount of money raised has not yet been calculated.

Kingfisher FM presenter Jason Gabriel – who organised the event in memory of his friend Debbie Lewis who was allegedly murdered by her husband Nathan late last year – said he was overwhelmed by the support received.

He said he initially only expected about 500 participants.

Nathan killed himself in January, before the murder case could proceed to trial.

Lewis's family and friends, all wearing T-shirts sporting her smiling, pretty face, also completed the race.

Chocolates were handed out at various points along the route.

Kicking off the event was a 50-piece children's marching band.

"The message of the event was to appreciate the small things in life, because life is so short," Gabriel said.

"God certainly blessed the entire race because even the weather was perfect."

He said instead of focusing on his negative emotions after Lewis's death, he decided to use his energy towards raising awareness for victims of abuse.

This way he also kept Lewis's spirit alive.

Gabriel said he planned to make the chocolate run an annual event. - Kathryn Kimberley