All set for run in the park and fun in the dark

NELSON Mandela Bay is gearing up for some fun in the dark in the form of the South African Neon Run taking place across the country starting next weekend.

The “Night-Time Spectacular”, which takes place in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, will be hosted in five cities across the country and will feature hundreds of enthusiasts kitted out in neon lights and other paraphernalia for the event.

The 5km Bay event will take place at St George’s Park. To add to the excitement of the run, participants will be treated to some homegrown musical talents as the event hosts a post-race music festival at each of the venues.

The star-studded line-up includes 5fm disc jockey Nick Hamman, who will act as master of ceremonies for each event, with Cape Town based Chris Taylor named the resident DJ for Neon Run South Africa.

Also included in the line-up for the Bay leg of the run is DJ Roger Goode as well as electroswing act Goodluck, who will entertain crowds at St George’s Park cricket stadium.

The event, now in its second year, is organised by events company Four Fire. Their vision is to “bring to South Africa a portfolio of high quality entertainment and events that anticipate and satisfy everyone’s desires and needs,” the company website says.

Company owner Alexandre Torrao says the run is expected to attract a total of 45 000 entrants in all five cities and it is not a competition.

“We’re not a race. Entrants don’t have numbers and there is no timing . . . it’s all about getting people involved and having fun,” he said.

The event starts at 3pm and tickets cost R250 per person, and R90 for children under 11.

-Amir Chetty