Nelson Mandela Bay Choose to Challenge race organisers are targeting a bumper 1,500 entries for this year's event at Baywest Mall on August 2.
Race director Michael Mbambani said road-running lovers can expect a fun-filled, family-oriented run with many lucky draw giveaways to be won on the day.
The ninth edition of the popular Gqeberha event, which is organised by EP Athletics and the Legacy Project, the race starts and finishes at the Baywest Mall.
This comes after a three-year partnership was secured with the complex.
The event was previously held at King Beach but later moved to Cillié High’s JJ Engelbrecht Sports Grounds.
“Last year, for the first time, we went over 1,000 entries. We had 1,300 runners,” Mbambani said.
“This year, our target is 1,500 entries. We want people to come out in their numbers to take part in the race.
“In 2024, we had up to R25,000 worth of lucky draw giveaways from shops inside the Baywest Mall, and this year we are almost at R30,000 worth of lucky draw giveaways for the race.
“This is a real family run, because we have a 10km race, 5km family walk and 1km kiddies race on the day, and the environment just allows that because it's a very safe area to do so.
“Thanks to the Baywest Mall for accommodating us and being a partner to one of Nelson Mandela Bay's Legacy Projects, because the race is sponsored by the NMB Municipality in partnership with the Baywest Mall.”
Ikhamva Athletics Club road runner Melikhaya Frans crossed the finish line first in 2024 in a time of 30 minutes and 24 seconds to clinch his fifth NMB Choose to Challenge title.
He was followed by Yanga Malusi of Real Gijimas in second (30:44) and Lithebe Menzeleleli of Ikhamva Athletics Club (30:56).
Frans, 34, will be looking to dominate once more at this year's race.
Meanwhile, Kovsies Athletics Club Lizandre Mulder won the women's event after crossing the finish line in 36:11.
Ntombesintu Mfunzi of Nedbank Running clocked a time of 39:42 for second place, and third place went to Refeloe Solomons, also of Nedbank RC, in 39:55.
“When it comes to elite local runners, Melikhaya Frans, Sinawo Poti and Andile Motwana, those are the pro athletes we expect to compete on the day.
“In the ladies' race, Refeloe Solomons, Kelly van Vliet and Ntombesintu Mfunzi will be running,” Mbambani said.
The Herald
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