Kenton almost reaches magical 1,000 mark

his year’s Rhino Run attracted more than 3,000 runners and walkers from six centres around SA – Cape Town, George, Port Elizabeth, Kenton, Durban and Gauteng – but Kenton outshone them all with about one-third of the total and 984 participants.

Event founder Sian O’Keeffe was both pleased and, perhaps, a little frustrated when he realised they were just short of the magical 1,000 runners and walkers.

Rhino conservation promoter Jo Wilmot echoed his sentiment.

T“What a magnificent turnout,” she said proudly. “But next year we want all the participants to bring a friend so we can smash this record.” The Rhino Run was started in 2012 at Kenton in response to the horrific poaching of three adult rhino at Kariega Game Reserve just outside Port Alfred. Rhinos Themba and Thandi survived the initial attack. However, after Themba’s death from injuries just two weeks later, Thandi became the official mascot of the Rhino Run.

At one time described as the most famous rhino on the planet, Thandi has since given birth to two calves and her story has inspired groups all around the world to support anti-poaching efforts in a bid to halt the extinction of these prehistoric-looking yet iconic animals.

The race at Kenton comprised a 5km and a 12km race around the town, over dunes and up hills, on gravel and on beach sand, and is therefore no picnic.

Yet, on the day, with the sun shining brightly in a blue cloudless sky, the spring breeze kept runners and walkers cool – at least at the beginning of both races.

First woman home in the 5km race was Rebecca Nelson, followed by Hannah Chowles with Toni Reffert in third place.

In the men’s race, Finethemba Jilingisi was the winner with Xolani Cengeni in second place and Lithemba Madlabu third.

In the 12km race, first woman home was Candice Serfontein, followed by Alissa Embling and Christine Waters. In the men’s race, first home was Sizakele Dayimani followed by Stegman van Zyle and Vuyisani Nobi.

Times for all races were not available at the time of going to press but will soon be available on the Rhino Run website or Facebook page.