The Motherwell Freedom Run is preparing to celebrate its 11th edition on Saturday, April 22.
The event is the initiative of Michael Mbambani, coach and founder of Ikhamva Athletics Club, who with the support of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, organised the first Freedom Run in 2011.
This year’s edition will incorporate the EPA 10km championships.
“The race will start and finish at the Raymond Mhlaba Sports Centre in Motherwell with a strong winner’s purse of R7 000, free t-shirts for the first 300 entrants and medals for all finishers within the cut-off time,” said Mbambani.
“We are looking forward to a fantastic race and expect a fast and exciting finish.”
Melikhaya Frans successfully defended his title at the 10th edition of the Nelson Mandela Bay Freedom Run last year, crossing the finish line in 28:39, improving on his 2019 time of 29:08.
Mayoral committee member, Bassie Kamana, who is responsible for the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, has endorsed the event.
“Achieving a 10-year track record is no mean feat; we applaud this accomplishment of the Freedom Run.
“What is remarkable is that this race represents the inclusive oneness that running creates, uniting people of all races, ages and levels of fitness, in the Motherwell township.
“We are proud to be associated with professional events like the Freedom Run,” added Kamana.
The Freedom Run has grown each year, from 176 entries in 2011, and organisers are expecting a strong turnout of runners to start at 07:00 from the Raymond Mhlaba Sports Centre in Motherwell.
The 10km is an EPA participation league event which will attract many local clubs, and a number of high-profile national athletes who are keen to compete on this fast route.
Athletes can enter at Brian Bands, The Footballer, Sportsman’s Warehouse and UD Sports until pre-entries close at 14:00 on Wednesday, April 19.
Online entries on www.webtickets.co.za will be accepted until Tuesday, April 18.
Entry is R100 for 10km, and athletes over 60 years will receive a 50 percent discount. Temporary licences will cost R40.
Collection of race numbers (pre-entries), and late entries, will be accepted from 14:00 until 18:00 on Friday, April 21, at the EP Athletics office, Westbourne Oval, Westbourne Road.
Late entries and race number collection will be received on race day from 06:00 to 06:15.
The cut-off time for the 10km is 100 minutes, at 08:40.
For more info, contact Michael Mbambani at 079 149 6796.
