Locals rally round despite rain for national event
LIGHT rain did not deter more than 500 rhino conservation supporters showing up to take part in the Kenton Rhino Run on Sunday morning. The Kenton run was one of five such Rhino Runs taking place simultaneously around the country – the others being in Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Durban and Gauteng. Despite being in a rural area, the Kenton run has been one of the most strongly supported, with large groups of entrants from local businesses, organisations and Grahamstown schools.
This year there was also prominent support from area game reserves like Amakhala and Kariega. The Rhino Run was inspired by a brutal poaching incident at Kariega Game Reserve in 2012 involving three rhino, known as Thandi, Themba and bull No84. Thandi and Themba (the Xhosa words for love and hope) survived the initial attack, but Themba succumbed to his injuries a few weeks later.
The Kenton Run is organised by Free Spirit Adventures in conjunction with Sunshine Coast Tourism. Entrants had the choice of a 5km beach run/walk or a more strenuous 12km trail run which took them through the Kenton Eco Estate. Most opted for the family-friendly 5km run, which also allowed for dogs on leashes.
The start and finish was on the Blue Flag beach in front of Homewoods restaurant, which was bustling with entrants before the race, and the members of Kenton Rotary were whipping up pancakes, egg and bacon rolls and boerewors rolls galore.
The 12km entrants set off first at 8am, and the 5km participants about 10 minutes later.
Racking up his third consecutive win in the 5km race, was the ever-competitive and barefoot Stephen Walker of Kenton, who knows the beach like the back of his hand. Following in close succession, were Evan Rennie from St Andrew’s College and Another Kenton lad, Matthew Bedford.
First lady home was DSG pupil Toni Rafferty.
In the 12km race, Leo Sorenson of Quest came first.
The spirit was very upbeat in spite of the threatening weather, and the rain mostly held off for the first 45 minutes of the race.
All funds raised will be split equally between the beneficiaries: the Kariega Foundation, Outraged South Africa Citizens Against Poaching, Saving The Survivors and the Chipembere Rhino Foundation.
To date, the Rhino Run nationally has managed to raise R545 000.