Michael Mbambani, coach and founder of Ikhamva Athletics Club, with the support of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality organised the first Freedom Run during 2011. On Saturday the 11th edition of this Freedom Run will incorporate the EPA 10km championships.
“The race will start and finish at the Raymond Mhlaba Sport 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,” he added.
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. He on Monday participated in the Boston Marathon.
Mayoral committee member, Bassie Kamana, responsible for Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture, has endorsed the event.
“Achieving a ten-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,” said Kamana.
“We are proud to be associated with professional events like the Freedom Run.”
Organisers are expecting a strong turnout of runners to start at 07:00 from the Raymond Mhlaba Sport Centre in Motherwell. The 10km is an EPA participation league event which will attract many local clubs and several high-profile national athletes who are keen to compete on this fast route.
Athletes can enter at Brian Bands, The Footballer, Sportsmans Warehouse and UD Sports.
Collection of race numbers (pre-entries) and late entries will be accepted from 14:00 until 18:00 on Friday, 21 April 2023 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.
– ISSUED ON BEHALF OF LOC EPA
