CHANCE FOR LITTLE LADIES
FUTURE participants in the Spar Women’s Challenge can start their training early following the introduction of the Little Ladies’ Race in Port Elizabeth on May 1.
The 2km fun run, which starts at Pollok Beach in the Summerstrand area, will be open to all girls aged eight and younger.
Participants may be accompanied by an adult woman, but no boys or men will be allowed.
“This road running festival is strictly for ladies of all shapes and sizes,” Spar Eastern Cape marketing manager Abri Swart said. “It’s a fun and healthy way to say thank you to our loyal shoppers and give back to our community.”
Swart calls the Little Ladies’ Race the ideal way to broaden the participation base of the event and introduce future customers to the family-oriented retail brand.
“It’s a very special addition to the Women’s Challenge, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.”
He said the fun run would take place on the first day of late registration for the 5km and 10km senior events.
“This means that moms, aunts and grans can register, collect their T-shirts and support their little ladies all on the same day.
“The girls may run unaccompanied as there will be female marshals along the course to ensure everyone’s safety.”
The Little Ladies’ Race follows a circular route from the registration tent on the grassed area, past the old Something Good roadhouse and along the seaside pedestrian walkway before returning along the landside footpath.
Swart said all girl participants, but not their adult companions, would receive special finishers’ medals and be in line for lucky draw prizes.
He said organisers anticipated between 500 and 1 000 participants in the inaugural race.
According to Athletics SA rules, only girls aged nine and older are officially allowed to take part in the 5km race on May 4.
“However, if the little ones want to take part in the main event, we do allow them to, provided they are accompanied the whole way by an adult,” Swart said.