2000 participants to take on CBD in Urban Run fun
THE Port Elizabeth city centre will be abuzz with activity in September as the Nelson Mandela Bay Urban Run transforms the heart of the CBD into a 10km obstacle course, attracting thousands of participants and spectators into the city to witness the urban renewal being undertaken by the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA).
Started in 2011, the Urban Run was introduced into Port Elizabeth by sports event organiser Mike Zoetmulder of Zports as a means to bring people back into the original CBD areas in a fun event which provides a massive boost to charities.
It all started one Sunday morning back in February 2011 when Zoetmulder and his family took a walk through the old CBD areas where he had played as a young boy. Struck by the rejuvenation that was taking place in the old part of town, Zoetmulder set up a meeting with MBDA chief executive Pierre Voges, which resulted in a promise that Zports would be able to bring people back into the CBD to witness the renewal.
The first Urban Run in Port Elizabeth took place in September of that year, when about 340 participants tackled a 12km obstacle course through the city and raised just over R40000 for charity.
In 2012 just over 1000 participants took up the challenge and raised more than R200000, while last year the participation grew to just under 1600, with R233000 raised for charity.
This year the Urban Run will have a limit of 2000 participants and is expected to raise more than R250000 for charity.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Urban Run is more a fun and social event where competitiveness is more in the raising of charity money than running in a record time, as participants dress up and have fun as they attempt about 15 urban obstacles and five water tables along the route.
The Mardi Gras atmosphere and the vibrant camaraderie of the event see friendships forged along the way as participants get taken down Memory Lane as they climb, crawl and run through buildings and urban structures.
"The Urban Run has always been about having fun and tackling the city and less about trying to be first across the finish line" Zoetmulder said.
"It's not often runners can take part in an event where they can run and joke with their friends and colleagues and have a great laugh along the way. Such an environment has meant that the Urban Run attracts a lot of participants who will attempt a 10km race for the first time – with everyone finishing."
Proceeds from this year's Urban Run will go to Cheshire Homes while the Kids Urban Run will be raising funds for Reach for a Dream.
Local companies get involved in supporting the event and the charities by branding one of the obstacles or water tables along the route. While all the water table positions have already been snapped up, there are still opportunities available with a couple of the obstacles along the route.
Today is also the last day for discounted entry, with fees increasing to R150 for adults and R120 for children tomorrow.
For further information and online entry, check out the Nelson Mandela Bay Urban Run website www.urbanrun.co.za or pick up an entry form from selected sports shops in Port Elizabeth or at News Cafe at the Boardwalk. Zports can be contacted on (041)484-7860 for further information.
