Running in Nelson Mandela Bay takes on a new dimension next week with the introduction of one of the first night runs through a local nature reserve.
The Zports Hopewell Conservation Estate Night Trail Run follows the success of the Business Night Relay Series and Urban Run events which were hosted by event management company Zports. Their latest offering, the Night Trail Run, will see participants running through the bushveld of the 3000 hectare Hopewell Conservation Estate, a new private game reserve on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth. Interest in the 15.5km individual trail run and the 16.6km team event has been keen ahead of the inaugral event on Thursday 8th December.
“We’ve found that the local sportsmen and ladies are always looking for something different. The Hopewell Conservation Estate night trail run follows the success of our Business Night Relay and Urban Run events and offers something very different to the norm.” said event organiser Mike Zoetmulder.
The evening kicks off at 6.00pm with a 3.5km bush run for kids under the age of 14 years and is followed by the main events at 7.30pm. Relay Teams, comprising of 3 runners, will compete over a lap course of just over 5km’s whilst the individual runners will tackle an exciting 15km route. All runners are required to provide their own torches or headlights for the run whilst event marshals have been kitted out with lights from magiclight.
A field of about 50 athletes have already entered with Urban Run ladies champion Jane Barnardo one of the early favourites for the individual event.
“We are encouraging runners to bring the whole family and join us for a braai and fellowship after the run. Families can relax, take a stroll and see if they can spot the eland calves, mountain zebra, springbok, or hartebeest or other game,” says Brian Corrigan of Hopewell Conservation Estate.
Jane Barnardo – recent Urban Run ladies champion is one of the favourites for the Night Trail Run, pictured here receiving her Urban Run trophy from Gladys Panda of the Door of Hope Children’s Home.
