Run in my stocking

THE Spar ladies’ run is upon us again, the second race of the national five race Grand Prix series run around the country and one of the highlights on Nelson Mandela Bay’s tourism and athletics calendar, takes place this Sunday.

The 19th edition of this annual race takes place from King’s Beach on Saturday and includes 10km and 5km events. All proceeds will go to Yokhuselo Haven for victims of domestic violence again this year. The institution provides safety and shelter to abused women and their children. and so provides another incentive for ladies from all over Nelson Mandela Bay to tie their shoelaces.

“The woman take part in a race that is for a good cause. The chosen charity provides safety and shelter to abused women and their children. What better motivation to tie your shoelaces and take a walk or run,” said Loynes Jenkerson, race promoter.

The Port Elizabeth leg of the race is one of the biggest in the country with 10 800 entries last year, “the estimate for this years entrants are 13 000, and we are looking forward to breaking our record.”

Most of the participants take part in the 5km which is mostly a fun walk with big and small as well as young and old taking part, while the 10km is a much more serious race with some of the best runners in the country taking part.
Many of South Africa’s top female runners, like last year’s runner up, Irvette van Blerk, have already entered.

Although it is a ladies race, men may enter in the 5km race giving they do so dressing up in ‘drag’. This tom-foolery has grown in support every year and is something worth a few laughs.

The route of the well known Spar Ladies 10km challenge, is circular and for the most part flat and fast. There is a slight uphill in the third kilometre and the course is run entirely along the beachfront in Port Elizabeth.

“Its safe to say that Nelson Mandela Bay is really one of the best destinations in the country for sports tourism with Ironman just behind us. We are safe, clean, don’t have a lot of traffic and have stunning picturesque routes that showcase our diversity” said Mandlakazi Skefile, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism’s chief executive.

The first 10 ladies home receive gold medals, the next 90 win silver and all other finishers take home a bronze medal. The first 3000 entrants also get a T shirt. Entries can be handed in at The Footballer, Brian Bands, Action Sports, Sportmans Warehouse and Brocketts Sports or at the Kings Beach car park on the day.

Mainly Beach Road, between Ocean Ave and La Roche Drive will be affected by road closures on the day of the race. Both sides of the road will close from 06h30 to 08h30 for the lining up and start of the two races. As the runners move forward, the roads will be opened behind them. Strand Ave, Sprayview Ave and Mansions Ave will be affected. At 10h00 all lanes will be opened and traffic road usage will resume as normal.