Iconic Gugulethu race fosters reconciliation

INSPIRED by the national spirit of unity that defines Reconciliation Day, the RCS Gugs Race is one of only a few platforms that brings together diverse communities in one of the city’s oldest suburbs.

The Cape Times is once again the official media partner of the RCS Gugs Race, now in its 17th year, along with title sponsor RCS.

This year’s race promises to be bigger and better than before, says Gugulethu Athletics Club chairperson Gladwell Ndzube, who is fuelled by a desire to create a running culture among residents of Gugulethu.

Fast-becoming one of the most anticipated events on the Western Cape’s annual sporting calendar, the race takes place in Gugulethu on December 16 and includes a 4.2km as well as a 10km option.

The route passes some of the key structures that shaped Gugulethu during the turbulent apartheid years, such as The Gugulethu 7 Memorial and the Amy Biehl Memorial.

Along the route, runners are welcomed by residents as the race takes them and their supporters through the streets of Gugulethu – giving them the opportunity to “gift” packets of sweets to local children who line the route on race day.

This year, runners will represent various clubs around the Peninsula; local celebs will include TV personality Dr Michael Mol and race MC for this year, Siv Ngesi.

There will be jumping castles for the little ones, food and beverage stalls manned by Gugulethu residents, and a chance to win spot prizes.

RCS chief executive Regan Adams encouraged runners from all across the country to participate. “Friends and families are invited to come along and soak up the experience, along with a taste of township life, in the spirit of reconciliation. This race is a wonderful opportunity for RCS to invest in the community of Gugulethu. It also aligns with the company ethos ‘Let’s make it possible’,” Adams said.

Cape Times editor Aneez Salie said the title was honoured and thrilled to be associated again with the Gugs Reconciliation Race. “We share the same ideals of building bridges within and between communities and of bridging the various divides, be it race, generation, gender or class.

“What better way to mark Reconciliation Day, which once so deeply divided our beautiful country,” Salie said.

Entries are available online via www.entrytime.com or at the venue on race day from 5.30am onwards.