OVERCOMING OBSTACLES: Joelene Carter, 25, front, and Haydn Johns, 25, both of Port Elizabeth, in the Urban Run
Thousands support Urban race, off-road biking and rally
NELSON Mandela Bay residents turned out in their thousands over the weekend to enjoy outdoor activities that included a fun race, off-road biking and a motorcycle rally.
The annual Urban Run festival saw nearly 1 000 entrants take part in the 8.5km race around the city centre yesterday as they completed 20 obstacles along the way.
Participant Siyolo Dick said he was very happy to have crossed the finish line first.
“I really enjoyed the race, which gave me, as a runner, a different perspective, unlike road running. The obstacles made it even more challenging,” Dick said.
Participants were divided into four groups based on the amount of money raised for the beneficiary charity organisations.
Just under R108 000 was collected for the Cleary Estate Cheshire Home, while the Reach For A Dream Foundation received almost R10 000 from collections made for the Urban Run for Kids.
The Urban Run for Kids took place on Saturday morning with 90 children aged between six and 14 completing a 2.5km run while navigating five obstacles along the route.
First boy finisher Lwambeso Magwada, 13, from Zwide, said he felt really proud of finishing first.
“It was my first time taking part in the Urban Kids Run, but the part I hated was the run up Whites Road [in Central],” Magwada said.
First girl across the finish line Zanri Black, 10, from Lorraine, defended the title she won last year.
“I enjoyed last year’s run more as the obstacles were much tougher, but I am glad to hold onto the title for another year,” she said.
South Africa’s first urban enduro motorcycle competition, the Inner City Enduro, was hosted in the Bay on Saturday afternoon.
Some of the country’s best riders descended on the city for this event where riders traversed a mix of 14 man-made obstacles and natural terrain to test their guts and skills.
The youngest ever Roof of Africa Enduro winner Wade Young, 19, disposed of some tough competition to win the event.
Young had a mishap in one of the earlier laps of the ICE Last Man Standing round, but came out fighting to hold off 2013 Red Bull Cross Choice Brazil champion Brian Capper.
“The competition was tough as I did not have it all my own way throughout the day [but] I did manage to make the last race count and pick up the win,” Young said.
Enduro spectator Daniel Goldberg, 14, said he was happy that it had finally come to his home town.
“I have watched these guys only on television, and to see them in person is just unreal. I am happy that Wade won as he is my favourite rider.”
Meanwhile, at Aldo Scribante, thousands of bikers revved their engines for charity on Saturday morning.
The biker community consisting of riders from as far afield as Cape Town and Cradock gave up a couple of hours of their time to help those less fortunate through the Dolphin Rally.
Funds were raised for two charities, the Ithemba Special Day Care Centre and the Good Shepherd Mission. A total of 400 bikers were present at the event held at Kings Beach and about R 16 000 was raised.
-Amir Chetty
THRILLS AND SPILLS: A competitor competes in a thrilling enduro race through a series of difficult obstacles starting at Fort Frederick and dropping into the Baakens Valley
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