Edendale running with a cause

The event forms part of the CMA development programme.

In line with the success of the 2012 event, the 7th running of this much-loved race promises to be another fun-filled day for the community of Edendale and surrounds. With nearly 2000 participants last year, the organisers have vowed to pull out all the stops to ensure a day of fun for the kids and grown-ups alike.

Prize money totalling R14 000 is up for grabs with a generous first prize of R2 500 for the First Man and First Woman respectively. The first three walkers over the finish line for both the men’s and women’s race will also be rewarded. Additionally, every finisher will take home a medal in addition to all 10km runners receiving an Edendale 10km Race T-shirt.

Local school teachers have shown a heightened sense of optimism for the event, knowing full well the power of such events in uniting communities and promoting civic pride. In this respect, the schools challenge will be a continued feature of the race in which schools compete with each other for the two main ‘school prizes’.

Schools are encouraged to get their pupils to participate in the Fun Run. The first two schools with most finishers will each walk away with a grand prize comprising digital equipment. In terms of race logistics and security, the SAPS and traffic police will be on full alert throughout the event, as well as sixty marshals along the route.

Entry criteria stipulates that potential participants be at least 15 years old for the 10km race. Temporary licenses will be available at the Registration Desk at a cost of R10 for those runners who are not licensed members of running clubs. With regard to the 5km Fun Run, anyone over 9 years old may enter.

The event is run under the auspices of the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF), Athletics South Africa (ASA) and KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA). All entrants are expected to abide by these rules. Special attention is drawn to IAAF Rules 4.2 and 142 for foreign runners as well as the condition that no personal seconding will be permitted.

Pre-entries are currently being taken at Comrades Marathon House (weekdays between 08h00 and 16h30). The local race organizing committee will be at the stadium taking entries on Saturday 16 November 2013 at the FNB Wadley Stadium from 11h00 to 14h00. Registration will also be open on the day of the race from 05h00 to 07h00.

Greater Edendale ROC Convener, Macdonald Chitja says, ‘We are very pleased with the continued success of this community event. We are seeing more and more school children getting involved in running through such initiatives and we aim to keep up the pace with road-running development in our local communities.’

(File Photo:Gallo Images)

- CMA

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