Dave Spence Gugs race for whole family
THE Gugulethu Athletics Club will tomorrow, to coincide with Youth Day, host the eighth annual RCS Dave Spence Memorial Race, which also commemorates the athlete and coach after whom the 10km race is named.
“The RCS Dave Spence Memorial Race is aimed at the youth and is an amazing opportunity for RCS to help bring people together on one of the most important dates on the South African calendar, while investing in the community and pursuing the company’s strong ethos of ‘working towards making things possible for people’,” says RCS Group chief executive officer Regan Adams.
Legendary local athlete Spence coached a number of top athletes, including Makhosonke Fika, Norma Nonkonyana, Evelyn Shabalala and coach Marshall Moiloa.
Many of these athletes continue to plough their time and resources back into the continuing development of athletics in the community.
The RCS Dave Spence Memorial Race includes a 10km road race, as well as a 4.2km fun run, so it is accessible to runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels.
The route is designed to link Gugulethu and surrounding areas, and it is a fun-filled family event where all are welcome.
Both the 10km race and the fun run start at the Gugulethu Stadium in NY49.
The 10km race will take runners past local landmarks, including the Gugulethu Mall and Gugulethu Junction through Montana and on to Manenberg, which was separated from Gugs under the Group Areas Act during apartheid, before heading back to the stadium.
En route, runners will pass some of the key attractions that have shaped the township, including the house of one of South Africa’s greatest athletes, Mzoli Ngcawuzele, now the owner of Mzoli’s Place.
RCS also sponsors the annual RCS Gugs Race, which takes place each year on December 16, the Day of Reconciliation, and is also organised by the Gugulethu Athletics Club.
“The RCS Gugs Race celebrates the common bond of humanity between all South Africans,” says Adams.
“Both of these races have become hugely successful events on the athletics calendar and see growing numbers of entrants every year.”
The 10km race starts at 7.30am and the 4.2km starts at 7.35am.
Entries are available online via Entrytime.com or at the venue on race day from 5.45am-7.15am. There is secure parking at the top of the shopping centre. The first 1 000 to finish the 10km receive medals.