The countdown has begun for one of Welkom’s biggest annual sporting events as entries officially open for the 24th Mediclinic Vista Eskom Road Race and Fun Walk, which will take place on Saturday 22 August.

This year Vista celebrates 55 years of reporting on local news, marking more than five decades of serving the community. The newspaper has been the event’s proud media sponsor for the past 24 years.

The theme of this year’s event, which is hosted by Eskom Athletics Club Free State, is “Strive with Pride”.

Organisers are encouraging runners, walkers, families, schools, businesses and community organisations to take part, with the goal of making this year’s event the biggest in its history.

Participants can choose between 1,6 km, 5 km and 10 km distances, making the race accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.

The event also celebrates Women’s Month, celebrated by South Africa every August. This recognises the contribution of women, their families and friends who combat inequality and violence while promoting healthy lifestyles and community participation.

Several charities benefit

Beyond the racing, the event will once again support several organisations by creating awareness of their work, including the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), CANSA, and Charlotte Moll Haven in Virginia.

The ace day begins at 11:00 with the 1,6 km fun event, followed by the women’s 5 km race at 12:30, the 10 km race for men and women at 13:30, and the open 5 km race at 14:00. Every finisher will receive a newly designed gold medal, while trophies and lucky draw prizes will also be up for grabs.

Entries available

Entries are available online through Entry Ninja at entryninja.com, while manual entry forms can be collected at the Vista offices in Stateway, Mediclinic Welkom, SANBS offices in Welkom and Kroonstad, Charlotte Moll Haven in Virginia, and the Brandwag Primary School in Odendaalsrus.

Manual pre-entries will also be accepted at Virgin Active Welkom on 20 and 21 August, while late entries will be available on the race day from 07:30. Businesses, schools, and sports clubs in Welkom can arrange for entry forms to be completed at their premises by contacting the organisers.

The annual road race has grown into one of the Free State’s best-supported community sporting events, attracting athletes from across the province and beyond while promoting fitness, community spirit and worthy causes.

For more information or entry enquiries, contact the organisers on 072 499 2602, or follow Vista Newspaper on Facebook for event updates.

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