Get ready to race the pigeons in a unique fun run in Despatch!
This race will unfold in Despatch on May 1 as runners go head-to-head against some of nature’s most efficient flyers.
The Race the Pigeons event, a collaboration between the Despatch Pigeon Club and Muirite Striders, promises a thrilling test of speed and endurance as athletes compete over 5 km – not just against one another, but against racing pigeons released at the same time the athletes start at 08:00.
This concept reminds one of the Man versus Train race that was so popular in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Could Race the Pigeons become the next big challenge that runners and spectators eagerly anticipate each year?
Pigeon racing has long been a fascinating sport, with these birds capable of reaching speeds up to 80 km/h. While they may seem like unbeatable competitors, their unpredictable flight paths and possible distractions add an element of suspense.
This will give a determined runner the chance to cross the finish line before the pigeons return home.
The first 200 finishers will receive medals, but the real prize is the bragging rights of outpacing a pigeon in flight. With its mix of competitive spirit, novelty, and fun, this event has all the ingredients to become a classic in the region’s racing calendar.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, or just keen to witness this one-of-a-kind showdown, Race the Pigeons promises to be a spectacle for all.
Will the athletes outpace the birds, or will the pigeons prove once again that wings have the advantage? There’s only one way to find out – be there at the starting line!
It is R50 to enter and you can do that at UDSportstore in Kariega. For more info, contact Margie on 082 496 2926.



