UNIQUE URBAN RUN COMES TO TOWN

Top kids philanthropists in 2014, Jasmine (7yrs) and Anika La Bercensie (9yrs) from Uitenhage, with the bicycle from Cyclopro which Anika won

It’s a one of a kind event in South Africa and it returns to the PE CBD this month – the Nelson Mandela Bay Urban Run hosted by the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) - is a unique concept event where participants not only rediscover the city centre but also raise much needed funding for local charities.

The Urban Run event is not only a fun filled weekend of entertainment for everyone, young and old, it is an event which has a feel good factor helping others in need and less fortunate. The Urban Run is a great opportunity to experience and view the city in a new light, in a way it has never been seen or experienced before. The obstacles along the route are fun yet challenging and at the same time the places and sites that the obstacles are placed in gives you a brief historical feel of the CBD of PE and makes you aware of places you did not know exist in the city or the places you may have forgotten about. The mardi gras atmosphere which sees many participants dressing up for the event ensures it remains fun as children tackle a route of approximately 2.5km and the adults approximately 8km.

Each year, without a doubt, the real winner of the Urban Run is the charity with this year’s funds going in support of the local branch of the Reach for a Dream Foundation (kids run) and Cheshire Home which comprises Cleary Estate Cheshire Home in the northern areas and Cheshire Home in Summerstrand and various outreach programs (adult run).  With participants required to raise a minimum of R100 for the charity, organisers are hoping that the Urban Run will once again be able to raise over R200,000 for these organisations.

Participants are incentivised to raise as much as possible with the top 3 philanthropists in each event receiving some awesome prizes. Top local cycle shop, Cyclo Pro, has once again offered a Dora 16” bicycle for the child that raises the most amount of money, last year this was won by Anika La Bercensie who raised R1,240. The top 3 adults will win prizes ranging from R2,800 to R4,800 with the top philanthropist receiving a two nights stay for two at the 4 star Redbourne Country Lodge from Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges, as well as a Tsitsikamma Falls Adventures Zip Line Experience and entry for 4 into the SAASA Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, Jukani sanctuaries.

“The 2 charities that are the beneficiaries for this year’s Urban Run are both close to our hearts here at Cyclo Pro, as they both create hope for individuals of our local community. “ says Cyclo Pro owner Andrew Briggs, “As a family run business, we are happy to be part of helping bring smiles to a few people’s faces.”  

Michelle van Huyssteen, branch manager of Reach for a Dream in Port Elizabeth is ecstatic about being a beneficiary of the Urban Run again this year and urges all families to get involved. “Reach for a Dream is proud to be associated with the Kids Urban Run and Zsports Events.  It is such a fun and positive family event backed by a strong and trusted brand in outdoor events management.  Kids and families have the opportunity to take part in a unique obstacle course, showing their bravery and ability to have fun, while raising funds for children who have to face their own brand of bravery in fighting life-threatening illnesses!”

No late entries are accepted for the event and all participants are required to report for registration at the Donkin on Saturday 26th between 9am and 2pm to collect their registration packs and race numbers. See www.UrbanRun.co.za for further information or online entry or pick up an entry form at Caltex Toby’s Motors in 8th Avenue Walmer or News Cafe, Boardwalk.