Bay fun run glowing success for charity
NELSON Mandela Bay residents came, glowed and ran in aid of charity at the weekend.
The Dave Weinronk Sports Complex in Third Avenue, Walmer in Port Elizabeth, had a rave-like atmosphere and buzz when scores of enthusiastic fun runners turned up in all their glowing glory for the Glow Run, which was held over two days.
Glow Events organiser Wayne Mitchell said: "Everything went well on both Friday and Saturday.
"We had 1000 people turn up for Friday's event and about 700 folk came out to support Saturday's event.
"This is the second Glow Run in PE and we hope to make this a growing event."
Glow Run organisers were doing a stock-take yesterday and would only know this week how much money the event had raised for charity, Mitchell said.
Friday was for under-18s and Saturday was meant for adults. - Xolisa Phillip
At Saturday's event, Korean pop sensation Psy's runaway hit Gangnam Style enjoyed something of a mini-revival in a warm-up group dance. Food stalls, a well-stocked bar and an eating area lent a fete-like, feel-good atmosphere.
A mix of young and old turned up, and they were kept on their feet by great music playing from DJs' decks and a live band.
Cheerleaders lent encouragement to participants at the start line.
Brightly painted faces, make-shift tutus and glow sticks added colour and glow to the event.
"We had spray zones on the race route, as well as UV spray paint, which glows under UV light, and smoke and lasers," Mitchell said.
Seasoned fun runner Roxanne Muller, 29, of Shauderville, said although she was disappointed she could not participate in Saturday's event, she attended it to lend her support. "I thought I was working tonight. But I'll be doing other fun runs in the city," Muller, who is a nurse, said.
Proceeds from both events will go to Retina South Africa, which assists those affected by retinal blindness.
One person in 2000 is affected by retinal disease and night vision is the first thing that gets lost, according to international figures.
