800 join Lonehill fun run to raise funds for Lonehill Dam revival project
Runners and walkers turned out in numbers for the 24th Otter Estates Lonehill Fun Run, where every step taken helped raise funds to restore the iconic Lonehill Dam while celebrating the community spirit that has defined the event for more than two decades.
The streets of Lonehill were filled with laughter, cheers and colourful running gear as more than 800 residents laced up their takkies for the 24th annual Otter Estates Lonehill 5km Fun Run/Walk.
But beyond the finish line, lucky draw prizes and family fun, the event carried a deeper purpose – raising funds for the Lonehill Dam revival project, an initiative dedicated to restoring the ecological health of one of the suburb’s most cherished landmarks.
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Organised by the Lonehill Residents Association (LRA) in partnership with long-time sponsors Otter Estates and HBGSchindlers, the event once again demonstrated what can be achieved when a community comes together for a common cause.
For Chris Otter of Otter Estates, the event is a way of giving back to the suburb that has supported his family for decades.
“We’ve sponsored this event for 24 years. I’ve lived in Lonehill since I was 12 years old, so this is our home. The community supports us by buying and selling property through us, and this is our chance to give something back.”
While the Fun Run has always been a celebration of community, its fundraising focus has remained constant.
“The event aims to help raise funds for the dam, environmental projects, the park and things like that.”
He said maintaining public spaces has become increasingly challenging as municipalities face funding constraints.
“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.”
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Shelley Miller of the Lonehill Residents Association said the overwhelming support reflected the strength of the community.
“This is the epitome of a community supporting its own community and doing it for themselves.”
She said local businesses also contributed generously to the event by donating lucky draw prizes, with race numbers doubling as lucky draw entries after the run.
Safety remained a priority throughout the afternoon, with support from Douglasdale SAPS, the Douglasdale Community Policing Forum (CPF), JMPD, Fidelity Security Services, SLA Medical Services and Fitness For Africa.
Speaking at the event, the Douglasdale SAPS station commander, Brigadier Veeshani Arikum, said the police’s presence reflected the importance of working closely 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.”
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