What is believed to be only South Africa’s 2nd urban run, the inaugral Herald Nelson Mandela Bay Urban Run on the 25th September is creating quite a stir around town and should see hundreds of participants trudging the streets of the CDB as they negotiate urban obstacles in what promises to be one of the most exciting foot races the city has ever seen. Covering a distance of 12km through some of the cities most historic parts, the Urban Run includes challenges such as the Mawethu Civils “pipe dream”, the Good Year ‘Tyred Out’ obstacle, Boston City Campus’ “ladder to success”, Xtreme Projects “Hazmat” treble challenge, MBDA’s traffic challenge, the assault on Fort Frederick, survival through the urban oasis of Settlers Park and Security Technology Worx’s “shocking experience”.
The Urban Run concept has attracted massive attention around the world due to its urban trail concept and the resultant camaraderie, fellowship and challenges. Gauteng hosted SA’s first Urban Run last year with the Men’s Health Urbanathlon through Sandton and Nelson Mandela Bay follows with a concept which is set to showcase the history and beauty of our city like no other event. Open to individuals or teams of 3, the Urban Run is all about challenging oneself whilst helping others, not only during the event but throughout 2012 as all proceeds from the Urban Run will go towards the school fees of the disadvantaged children of the Door of Hope children’s home in Sydenham.
Entries, which are being restricted to the first 1,000 participants for year one, will close on Monday 19th September with all entrants receiving an Urban t-shirt plus the first 300 finishers will receive a gold medal. If necessary, late entries may be received until Saturday 23rd September but these entrants will not receive the race t-shirt.
In an exciting twist to the event, all entrants are required to raise personal sponsorship of at least R100 for the Door of Hope Childrens home. Collection of registration packs and race numbers takes place between 2pm and 5pm on Saturday 24th at the newly revamped Donkin Reserve.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Urban Run is being televised on Super Sport towards the end of October and offers a great public spectacle with spectators invited to line the course and encourage the Urbanathlete’s on Sunday 25th. The start is at 8am on the Donkin with the finish line being beneath the large SA flag on the Donkin. A prize giving will also take place at the finish area from 11h30. See website for futher information, the course route and the best spectator vantage points.
