New running series taking off in the city
WITH the sport of trail running gaining traction in Nelson Mandela Bay, a new participation series has been attracting a growing field and encouraging social runners and walkers to experience this popular off-road discipline.
The inaugural Baywest Mall Trail Series, which was launched on October 1, is a bi-weekly series of four races offering both 6km and 11km distance options and more than R14 000 worth of lucky draw prizes.
The second event in the series, which took place on Sunday, saw more than 150 participants enjoying the newly developed trails behind the Bay’s biggest shopping centre.
Baywest Mall marketing manager Lindsay Steele said the series was intended to encourage group activity on the trails and to help residents get fit and active as the summer months approached.
“After opening our trails with the Ride for the Youth mountain bike race in June, we have been building our multi-sport calendar and looking at ways to add value to the community through these events,” Steele said.
“Although there are just four races in the current series, we are looking at hosting another series in the new year.”
She said a percentage of the proceeds from the Baywest Mall Trail Series would be donated, via charitable partner The Charity Space, to The Herald Christmas Cheer Fund.
“The fund collects contributions which are distributed to various non-profit organisations that care for children, the elderly, the poor, the sick and disabled in Nelson Mandela Bay and surrounds. In what would otherwise be a bleak season, funds are distributed in time for Christmas to spread happiness.”
Steele said walkers were welcome on the shorter 6km route and people could also ride mountain bikes, provided they followed the designated routes and kept a safe distance from the runners and walkers.
The remaining races will take place on October 29 and November 12 at 8.30am and cost R30 per person.
Registration opens at 7.30am on the morning of the race at Entrance 4, opposite the start of the trail.