Fun run/walk event to remember

Residents and motorbike club all revved up for morning

Equally impressive was the turnout of locals, dogs, children, prams and all who came together to make the morning’s fun run/walk an event to remember! The registration table was inundated by a positive melee of eager participants … 

And the weather played its part – in spite of dire predictions of rain, and a pumping wind, nobody got drenched! 

Given the festive spirit, the announcers struggled to be heard above the chatter of the excited crowd – but they certainly did all hear the siren that signalled the start! And off they went … 

4.5 kilometres. 

At least nobody would keel over from heat exhaustion. But if they had, Coastal Kindness Medical First Responders would have been all over it! 

And in less than 18 minutes, (18!!!!!) the first to finish pounded back into the Red Apple parking. Some of the walkers had barely left! 

Okay, so it was a fun run, not a race but congratulations to first finishers: 

  • Butshabethu Kayi in 17.44 minutes; 
  • Sizakele Dayimani in 18.08; and 
  • Vuyisani Nobi in 18.40. 

And they hardly broke a sweat (the wind was cold!). Well done to these guys, who are members of Volo Vikings and Kowie Striders – so a walk in the park for them! 

The first lady home was Kianna Buser! 

Kudos to you all but respect too to everyone who participated, to those who were proud of their times, and to those who took it easy and just enjoyed the companionable stroll! 

Clearly everyone felt good by the end but they also did good! 

This event was held to raise funds for the desperately needed repairs at the Marselle Clinic. It was in fact an initiative of the staff members of the clinic, albeit organised by Coastal Kindness volunteers. And we want to acknowledge that Mr Mohammed Docrat and Sister Assumption (Macky) from the Department of Health were among the enthusiastic runners and walkers. 

Pictures: SUE MACLENNAN

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The day exceeded our wildest expectations. Well over 155 people participated, not counting accompanied children, babies and dogs, and including donations, over R6 000 was raised! 

And now the difficult part. So many people to thank that one fears some will be missed: 

First and foremost, everyone who ran or walked – and those who didn’t but donated; 

Lindy Heine who made it all happen, together with her 2IC Sergio Baartzes who also rushed around taking fantastic photos; 

Coastal Kindness Medical First Responders under the aegis of team leader Nick Albrightson; 

Sergio who mapped out the course, which appropriately included the Marselle Clinic, a course praised by several, and Shona and Mark for their guidance and advice; 

The indefatigable Patsy Bern who, with her team, took entries and reconciled the books; 

Build-It who manned the halfway stand and supplied water to the parched; 

Spar for a donation of cold drinks and sweets; 

Our whole caring community – without you we are nothing. 

If we have missed anyone, watch this space for a comprehensive list of all who contributed to the day’s success! 

Perhaps the ultimate accolade was how many people suggested that this becomes an annual event. 

The community spirit is alive and well – no, flourishing – here! 

SOURCE: Coastal Kindness 

  • This article was first published in Talk of the Town, September 12, 2024. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays.