From September 18 to 21, for the third consecutive year, Jeffreys Bay hosted the Sunrise to Sunset 100km women’s walk.
Started by Alna van der Walt, Louise Kemp and Mia Gain, this trio has brought together an event that inspires and connects women from all walks of life.
This walking excursion hosted 45 walkers from across the country, who all came to Jeffrey’s Bay to fulfil their 100kms by partaking in a daily walk of about 25km, on carefully curated routes to four beautiful spots in the Kouga municipality. The route wandered through various towns and areas, like Jeffreys Bay, Paradise Beach, Kabeljous reserve, Gamtoos, Lombardini, St Francis, and everywhere in between.
The Sunrise to Sunset 100km Women’s Walk in Jeffreys Bay this year saw the second largest group the team has ever hosted, a total of 45 participants and four crew members, walking the 100 kilometres over four days.
The group was dynamic in age, ranging from 23 to 67 years old. Women from all over SA flew, road-tripped and made their way to Jeffreys Bay. A large group from North West Tourism and Women in Tourism North-West travelled down to explore the Eastern Cape with the group.
While on their walking adventure, the walkers planted three Milkwood Trees in collaboration with Dorp Van Drome, alongside the beautiful labyrinth in Noorsekloof.
This year’s walk definitely presented some challenges with the spring tide that ravaged the coast days before their arrival.
“The Spring tide did give us some sleepless nights, seeing the devastation and loss of property that was being suffered by the coastal residents, were heart-breaking. We took it day-by-day checking each route; luckily day one had no coastal sections, which gave the support crew and locals time to assess and detour some sections that were affected by the spring tide.”
A delightful end to the adventure was hosted by The Gamtoos Ferry Hotel on the last day for a special medal ceremony; the atmosphere was electric. The ladies and special guests were treated to excellent food, music and a other refreshments.
The ladies would like to thank the whole Jeffreys Bay community for their warm welcome, assistance and collaboration.
“A special thank you goes to each and every landowner, stakeholder, sponsor, volunteer, and most importantly the participants. Without you all this walk would not be possible,” Van der Walt concluded.
For more information on how you can become involved in this special event, or even how to enter for next year, contact Mia at 076 656 0067, send them an email at info@sunrisetosunset.co.za or visit their website at sunrisetosunset.co.za or find them on social media.
