Nobody could have dreamed that, nine years down the line, the Great Brak Grabadoo would be such a Garden Route favourite during the summer holiday season. In fact, the event is becoming more and more popular and every year the organizers are flooded with enquiries from as far as Namibia and Botswana about it.
It is wonderful to see people join the drive to movement even amid the summer heat and the holiday vibe that has everyone a bit more relaxed in their laziboy, and a bit more chilled in their flip flops. Maybe it was the date change to 31 December that has seen everybody more enthused. Maybe it was the internal drive in participants to go into the New Year with elevated “happy hormone” levels and a fitness mentality. “This is the year, this is the moment.” Maybe it is the media drive “Move SA” that has the country getting more active. Who knows, but the fact remains that entries for the ninth running, walking or biking of the Great Brak Grabadoo are pouring in and excitement ahead of the New Year’s Eve day event is so palpable, you can almost smell the adrenaline.
But if you are in need of a good reason to come and take part, we have a few suggestions. It is a great way to work off those extra Christmas dinner kilojoules, and an even better way to get fit if you have entered the Argus. It is a big fun, no pressure, and non-timed great day out with your friends. Cycling shorts are the new skinny jeans. It is a great dare. Plus who can say no to a great goody bag and a medal just for taking part? Start your New Year off with a medal on your wall and make it your New Year’s resolution to get some more wall decorations during 2012. That is until your next Great Brak Grabadoo medal on the eve of 2013.
The event will consist of a run/walk (4.8km), mountain bike (15/35/new 70km) and road bike (20/40km) routes. If you are a walker or a runner, then get ready for 4.8km of tackies hitting tar around the beautiful Great Brak River. Road cyclists can get some needed road time in before the Argus by entering the 20km or 40km routes, whilst mountain bikers can look forward to 3 routes – a 15km, 35km and the brand new 70km route traversing Great Brak River byways with the most spectacular scenic moments.
Entries are open! Participants can enter at Chas Everitt offices in Great Brak River, Sedgefield and George or online at www.onlines.co.za. The first 1200 entrants will receive a great summer goodie bag with among other things a summer surprise from 8ta. All entrants will receive a medal, a gift from Mitchum and Powerade. For more information, please feel free to contact Mimi Finestone on 084 583 3144 or email mimi@gojipr.net or visit www.gojipr.net to see the previous years’ festivities, check out the routes and where and when to enter in full colour.
