Local road running enthusiasts can look forward to a new addition on the calendar, which will make its way through the city centre and around the stadium on August 10.
The inaugural Local Choice Pharmacy Govan Mbeki 10km race, which is to be staged by the Ikhamva Athletics Club, together with the Nedbank Running Club, will also include a 5km family run.
The 10km will start at 7am, with the 5km following at 7.10am, opposite the Pier 14 Shopping Centre in Govan Mbeki Avenue.
Entries are now open, and the first 500 athletes will receive a free race T-shirt.
Ikhamva founder and coach, and race organiser, Michael Mbambani said preparations for the race were well under way.
“It is with great pleasure to announce that we have the new 10km on our feature for Sunday August 10,” Mbambani said.
“It’s the first edition of The Local Choice Pharmacy Govan Mbeki 10km, fully sponsored by the pharmacy opposite the Pier 14 Shopping Centre.
“It’s a great initiative as they are opening their pharmacy on July 21.
“For year one, the plan is to start and finish the race at the store, and then for the future, we will find a new venue.
“There’s also great prize money to the value of R55,000 up for grabs.”
The men’s and women’s first place winners in the 10km race will pocket R5,000 each, while all the age categories, including juniors and 70-plus, will include cash prizes.
Mbambani said participants would run through North End, around the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, and finish back at the start.
“This race shows the growth in our sport, and the pharmacy is not new in sponsoring road running, it has the Elliot Madeira half marathon as well.
“It is supporting social cohesion and a healthy lifestyle. It’s a great initiative.”
He said Ikhamva was grateful that the pharmacy was sponsoring the club to host the event.
He said the club also hosted the Freedom Run and the Vslot family 10km race.
“We are targeting 1,000-plus runners on the day, we will make sure the runners are safe in the area.
“It’s a Sunday, and traffic control will be there to make sure our runners are safe on the road.
“We will make sure we have enough security and SAPS from the Mount Road police station in the area for everyone to be safe.”
The Herald
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