Boksburg City Stadium will lose one of its flagship sporting events next year after organisers of the iconic Dis-Chem Ride for Sight relocated the event to Carnival City, ending a decades-long association with the venue.

Organisers announced on October 12 that the 38th edition of the race will take place at Carnival City on February 21, citing the event’s growth and the need for more space to accommodate participants, supporters and the race village.

Race director Linsay Engelbrecht said the decision followed this year’s event when the stadium’s permitted footprint could no longer accommodate all the necessary facilities without compromising safety and access.

More than 4 000 riders, the biggest field since Covid-19, took part this year.

“The event has simply outgrown that footprint,” said Engelbrecht, explaining that sponsors, suppliers and tents supporting riders, families and para-cyclists could no longer be accommodated comfortably.

The race introduced a para-cycling category two years ago, adding to its growing demands.

Engelbrecht stressed that the relocation had nothing to do with the upkeep of Boksburg City Stadium, which has been the subject of public discussion in recent years.

Also Read: WATCH: Young races to first Ride for Sight victory

While the move is likely to disappoint local volunteers, families and riders who associate the stadium with the event, organisers emphasised that it was a practical decision rather than a departure from Boksburg.

“Boksburg City Stadium has been home to this cycle race for a very long time, and we remain grateful for that. We have heard the disappointment, and we respect it,” said Engelbrecht.

“This is not a judgement on the stadium, and it is not a decision to leave Boksburg. We would happily have stayed. Carnival City is a few minutes away, in the same community.”

According to Engelbrecht, Carnival City offers sufficient space to accommodate registration, sponsor and supplier tents, bike marshalling, medical support, recovery facilities and prize-giving, with better separation between riders, supporters and vehicles.

The venue also offers covered areas, accessible facilities and on-site security, providing additional comfort for participants, including visually impaired and para-cyclists, as well as their families.

“Staying in Boksburg, and keeping the benefit local. Riders will still come into the East Rand, and local suppliers, volunteers and services remain central to the event,” she said.

First held in Benoni in 1989, the Ride for Sight features a 121km route through parts of Alberton, Thokoza, Suikerbosrand and Heidelberg, alongside 50km and 12km events, including para-cycling categories.

Proceeds continue to support Retina South Africa, which works to assist people affected by retinal conditions.

Organisers thanked the city and residents for hosting the race over the years, expressing hope that their relationship with Boksburg City Stadium would continue despite the relocation.

Entries for the February 21 event are open online, with an early-bird discount currently available.

“We hope Boksburg will see this as the same cycle race, with the same cause, held a short drive from the ground we still think of with real affection,” said Engelbrecht.

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