Talk of the Town

Hundreds rock up for the rhinos

Run helps raise awareness

- SUE MACLENNAN

Organisers of The Kenton Rhino Run Carey Webster and Jo Wilmot were thrilled to receive more than 700 entries for the 2022 edition of the event on Sunday September 25.

Ten years ago, Kariega Game Reserve rhino Thandi survived a poaching attack that killed three other rhinos in the reserve. The brutal horror of the attack and Thandi’s fight for survival inspired not only local communitie­s but people around the world to focus on protecting rhinos.

The Kenton Rhino Run has been held every year since 2013 (under the Covid-19 lockdown this was done virtually) to raise funds for rhino protection. Antipoachi­ng units have become an essential tool in rhino protection and several human and canine

APU members from local reserves participat­ed.

The participat­ion of dozens of children under the umbrella of the Kariega Foundation contribute­d to a lively, festive atmosphere at the event. The non-profit trust, which works in collaborat­ion with Kariega Game Reserve, aims to enhance the well-being of local communitie­s through enterprise developmen­t, education and youth developmen­t.

It was perfect weather for running and walking, with the mercury rising to the early 30s only later on. Of course the rhinos were the main winners of the event, but top finishers (in top three order) were as follows:

Men’s 5km: Siyambonga Mnqanqeni, Thandolwet­hu Matsala, Phumlani Tyokwana.

Women’s 5km: Mandy Schutte, Zoe Hobson, Kayleen Smith.

Men’s10km: Sinethemba Jilingsi, Vuyisani Nobi, Dylan Stone.

Women’s10km: Ida Paulsen, Roxy Smith, Taryn Hurly.

 ?? Picture: SUE MACLENNAN ?? RUNNING FOR RHINOS: Young runners set off on the 5km route at the Kenton Rhino Run on Sunday. The event started and finished at Jerry’s on the Dunes, with more than 700 people taking part.
Picture: SUE MACLENNAN RUNNING FOR RHINOS: Young runners set off on the 5km route at the Kenton Rhino Run on Sunday. The event started and finished at Jerry’s on the Dunes, with more than 700 people taking part.

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