Daina Bosch (8) and Masheeha Munshi (6) from Summerstand having some fun ahead of the Little Ladies race that forms part of the SPAR Women’s Challenge at Pollok Beach in Port Elizabeth in May. Photo: Coetzee Gouws/Fullstop
Future participants in the SPAR Women’s Challenge can start their training following the introduction of the SPAR Little Ladies’ Race in Port Elizabeth on May 1.
The 2km fun run, which takes place from Pollok Beach in the Summerstrand area, will be open to all girls aged eight years and younger. Participants may be accompanied by an adult woman but no boys or men will be allowed.
“This road running festival is strictly for ladies of all shapes and sizes,” said SPAR Eastern Cape marketing manager Abri Swart.
“It’s a fun and healthy way to say thank you to our loyal shoppers and give back to our community.”
According to Swart, the SPAR Little Ladies’ Race was the ideal way to broaden the participation base of the event and introduce future customers to the family oriented retail brand.
“It’s a very special addition to the Women’s Challenge, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.”
He said the fun run would take place on the first day of late registration for the 5km and 10km senior events.
“This means that moms, aunts and grans can register, collect their t-shirts and support their little ladies all on the same day.
“The girls may run unaccompanied as there will be female marshals along the course to ensure everyone’s safety.”
The Little Ladies’ Race follows a circular route from the registration tent on the grassed area, past the old Something Good roadhouse and along the seaside pedestrian walkway before returning along the landside footpath.
Swart said all participants, but not their adult companions, would receive special finishers’ medals and be in line for lucky draw prizes.
He said organisers anticipated between 500 and 1 000 participants in the inaugural race.
Entrants may register at the following sports shops: Brian Bands, The Footballer, Sportsman’s Warehouse and Action Sports. They can also register from 8.30am on the morning of the race.
According to Athletics South Africa rules, only girls nine years and older are officially allowed to participate in the 5km race on May 4.
“However, if the little ones want to take part in the main event, we do allow them to, provided they are accompanied the whole way by an adult,” said Swart.
For more information, go to www.spar.co.za.
Regular updates are available on @sparchallengepe, www.facebook.com/sparchallengepe and Algoa FM.
