The third Saldanha Health Run was a huge success, bringing about 1 200 athletes from all over together. The event took place at the Saldanha Bay Military area on Saturday 14 June.
Runners took part in the 10 km, 21 km and the 5 km fun run.
Leonie Vorster, organiser of the event, said the day was a huge success and civilians enjoyed the history and felt privileged to be able to utilise such a lovely venue. “The wind was a bit wild at the end, but the great lucky-draw prizes made up for this, and many people stayed until the last minute. Fantastic new national sponsors like Brooks Running SA, Balega Socks, Coca Cola and Hammer Nutrition came on board as well as new local supporting sponsors like Sea Harvest, Spar Saldanha, Life Private Hospital Vredenburg, Seeff Saldanha and Byers Security added immense value to the event.
According to Vorster, the purpose of the event is to uplift, improve and promote the town of Saldanha by fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration among its residents. “Saldanha Health Run celebrates the unique culture and history of Saldanha, enhancing public spaces to make them more welcoming and accessible, and supporting local businesses to thrive. By prioritising sustainable development and environmental stewardship, we aim to create a vibrant town where everyone feels proud to belong. Through partnerships with local organisations and authorities, we envision a future where Saldanha is not only a great place to live but also a sought-after destination for visitors, showcasing its natural beauty and rich heritage.”
Vorster said she appreciates everyone who helped make this dream come true and is overwhelmed by the runners’ generosity and camaraderie. “Our local running clubs had at least 125 participants who entered the two timed events. They all seemed to thoroughly enjoy the race. With Top Events as a new partner, this event will continue to grow and the Town of Saldanha will reap the benefit. We are already excited to start working on the 2026 Saldanha Health Run and are going to strive to make the event even more special and noteworthy on the Athletics SA Calendar, as this West Coast event is not to be missed.”
Vorster also thanks the Saldanha Bay Military for the venue.
Male winners 21 km:
1. Justice Kanyonga
2. Nicolin Farmer
3. Joshua Leon Rutgers
Female winners 21 km:
1. Heidi de Jager
2. Obertina Kanyonga
3. Anja Dippenaar
Male winners 10 km:
1. Keaton Lott
2. Sisphesihle Sunduza
3. Johan van Zyl
Female winners 10 km:
1. Ryeleigh Jesse Lentz
2. Candyce Hall
3. Marinda Briers
