The 7th Season of the popular Nelson Mandela Bay Weekend Post Ocean Racing Series kicks off this weekend with the pre-Series registration function at News Cafe on Friday evening and the first race day on Sunday morning at Hobie Beach.
The Metro lays claim to Africa’s largest family lifestyle beach event with the Ocean Racing Series attracting thousands of people to Hobie Beach on alternate Sunday mornings throughout the whole of summer. Started in 2006, the Series attracts families through it’s inclusion of 5 events each race day with each featuring the Kingfisher FM Kids (12u) 1km Beach run/walk, the Varsity College 5km Beach Run and Walk and the Dis-Chem 1km and 2km Ocean Swims. All events take place at the same time ensuring a great spectacle from the Shark Rock Pier.
This Sunday sees the first of 12 race days with a delayed start time of 10.30am on Sunday morning due to the Springboks must anticipated RWC quarter-final clash with Australia at 7am. Entries will open on the beach from 9am.
Registration for the Series is encouraged at just R150 with all members eligible for a Series tog-bag, Series t-shirt, sponsor incentives and a R20 discount off race day entry fees. The first 75 kids to register for the Kingfisher FM Kids 1km Beach Run will also receive a Workstation running vest in their registration pack which must be collected at News Cafe between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on Friday evening. The collection of registration packs is followed by a presentation by the Sustainable Seas Trust (SST) on its SEA Pledge Programme and Lucky draw prizes which include an awesome Blueseventy Wetsuit and a night for the family at the Koffylaagte Game Lodge.
The Series is a very social event aimed at promoting health and wellness whilst promoting the awesome Nelson Mandela Bay Beachfront. All finishers receive a Series medal and Glacéau vitamin water with category winners medals and numerous lucky draw prizes also awarded to Series members at each race day. Members taking part in the Kids 12u beach run/walk enjoy a separate prize giving on race mornings prior to the Reach for a Dream presentation.
Editor’s Notes: Seems like yesterday that we at MyPE starting supporting the ORS. Michael and his team certainly have proven that they have marathon staying power and have done a sterling job in promoting Port Elizabeth and sport in general.
