Runners, walkers show support and have fun

AND THEY’RE OFF: Participants set off in the Daily Dispatch Fun Run and Walk along the Orient beachfront on Sunday. Pictures: FAITH MTWANA

The Spar Daily Dispatch Fun Run and Walk took place on Sunday, October 16 and despite the gloomy weather, a large entry of runners and walkers took part.

Participants were able to walk or run along the Orient beachfront, starting and finishing at the Orient Pools.

The event, which was last held before the Covid-19 pandemic, is held in support of people living with disabilities.

One of the runners taking part was 79-year- old Fred Fitzgerald, a former Daily Dispatch employee who left the company in 2005 after 32 years.

“It’s so amazing to be taking part again. I did the 4km and ran the whole way and it felt great,” he said.

“The weather probably kept many people away, but we’re here and we’re having a good time.”

Members of the South African Pioneers of Transformation took part in the 8km as part of their outreach programme.

“This was such a fun experience for us. We look forward to taking part in many more of these runs in the future,” said Oyama Xozwa.

Spar was the main sponsor of the event, and advertising manager Roseanne Shadrach said: “We were quite nervous about the event not taking place today because of the weather but it was just so great to see East Londoners turning out in their numbers to support a great initiative and Spar and the Daily Dispatch are so happy the people have braved the weather and the rain stayed away.

“More importantly, it’s so great to see people in wheelchairs participating and it makes able-bodied people appreciate that we have bodies that are able to do the things they can do.

“It’s a great initiative, and we’re very happy with the turnout and having such a successful event.”

Wendy Terblanche, who walked the 4km with her son, Gabriel, was grateful the rain held off.

“This was a lovely experience. The weather was great, I’m happy the rain gave us a bit of a break and pushed us through,” she said.

Zince Rubushe and Tamara Siganga came first and second respectively in the 4km in the female category, while Aluwani Ramashau and Alwaba Gqirana came first and second in the male category.

In the 8km female category, Zandile Rubushe came first and Tara Schultz second.

In the male category, Lithobe Menzeleli came first, and Bulelani Mgubo second.

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