Hundreds run for glory, and reviving the Lonehill Dam, at the 24th Otter Estates Lonehill fun run
More than 800 runners and walkers turned out for the 24th Otter Estates Lonehill fun run, where fierce competition on the 5km route went hand in hand with raising funds to restore the iconic Lonehill Dam.
The chase for the finish line was about more than personal bests and podium places on Saturday, as hundreds of runners and walkers transformed the streets of Lonehill into a show of support for the suburb’s iconic dam.
Read more: Dainfern community runs for a cause at inaugural Cansa fun run
The 24th Otter Estates Lonehill fun run combined competitive racing with community purpose, attracting elite athletes, running clubs, recreational participants, and families, all contributing towards the Lonehill Dam revival project.
Leading the race was Jack Molewa, who stormed across the finish line to claim the men’s title after a commanding run over the challenging 5km course. In the women’s race, Tasha Mbobo continued her remarkable dominance by claiming victory for the fourth consecutive year.
The race was organised by the Lonehill Residents Association (LRA), in partnership with long-time sponsors Otter Estates and HBGSchindlers. For Chris Otter, of Otter Estates, the annual event is about giving back to the community that has supported his family for decades. “The aim is to help raise funds for the dam, environmental projects, the park, and things like that. This is an opportunity for us to give back to the Lonehill environment team, so they can invest in projects that help keep Lonehill looking beautiful.”
Also read: 800 join Lonehill fun run to raise funds for Lonehill Dam revival project
Shelley Miller, of the Lonehill Residents Association, thanked residents and local businesses for supporting the event. “This is the epitome of a community supporting its own community and doing it for themselves.”
Safety throughout the afternoon was supported by Douglasdale SAPS, the Douglasdale Community Policing Forum (CPF), JMPD, Fidelity Security Services, SLA Medical Services, and Fitness For Africa. Douglasdale SAPS station commander Brigadier Veeshani Arikum said the police’s presence reflected the importance of strengthening partnerships with the community. “We are here to engage with residents, answer their questions, provide crime prevention advice, and encourage everyone to be aware of their surroundings. Working together with the Community Policing Forum helps build trust between the police and the community, and ensures we all understand our shared responsibility in keeping our neighbourhoods safe.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
