Pacers 10 could spring surprise upfront

EAST London Pacers host a great 10km race each year and tomorrow morning newcomers to the sport will find out why their organisation is so appreciated by the running fraternity.

The Pacers 10 is not an easy race, but it is run through the pristine suburbia of Beacon Bay.

A club of mostly walkers over a number of years, the members pull together to create a great atmosphere for running.

Being an autumn day the chances are that the start will be cool, especially given that it is run out of the Beacon Bay Country Club, which is in the heart of a valley and on the banks of the Nahoon River.

Two Oceans has just come and gone, so a number of the 56km folk may well not be in the field and if they are not it opens up an opportunity to those athletes who “bubble under” some of the better known athletes.

Border and Born 2 Run’s “golden girl” Stephanie Smith has indicated that she may well be in the field, but only to run with friends and acquaintances following her gold medal performance at Two Oceans.

Border’s first man home, Luthando Hejana of Real Gijimas may consider something similar.

Entries are still available at sports shops until 3pm today and again at Beacon Bay Country Club between 5 and 6:30pm. Late entries are on offer from 5:30am on race morning.

The entry fee is R70 and the first 400 runners and 30 walkers will be recipients of tog bags.

All age categories from junior to grandmaster are catered for in the prizes.

The race will finish within 30 minutes to two hours, after which prizegiving will start.