Cross-country race offers plenty of fun activities for the whole family

Malalane has again thrown its weight behind the Nkomazi 450, round three of the Donaldson Cross Country Championship, in Mpumalanga on May 16 and 17.

It made its first appearance on the Donaldson calendar last season and was awarded as the event of the year at the end of year awards ceremony.

With Malalane Toyota dealer principal, Johan Horn and his staff, brought to the fore, the community has rallied around what is a major event on the fringes of the Kruger National Park.

Race headquarters and the designated service park will be located at Riverview Preparatory School on the outskirts of town, while the race will start on Saturday May 17 at Malalane Toyota.

It will finish at Riverview school and the local committee set-up to coordinate events and services has been overwhelmed with support.

More than a dozen outlets, including church groups, have registered to provide catering facilities. These range from prawn, chicken dishes to hamburgers, toasted sandwiches, hotdogs, frozen yoghurt and the traditional South African braai.

A beer garden, tea garden and tuck shop will also be available. These will be operated by the parents of children attending Riverview, with two additional entertainment areas set aside for children aged two to six and seven to 14.

For the kids there will be plenty of fun activities. Playground equipment, swings, a sandpit, pony rides, jumping castle, rodeo bull, a magician, face-painting and paint ball will be some of the attractions.

Riverview will also make use of the opportunity to market the school and information brochures and parent-supporter T-shirts and flags will be on sale. Also on offer at the souvenir and information stall will be Malalane Toyota memorabilia, T-shirts and photographs of teams and drivers.

A local band will provide additional entertainment at the post event prize-giving. Part of the marketing operation surrounding the event also includes a local media-advertising campaign.

A camp site will be in operation at the school from May 15 to 17. This will cater for both competitors and enthusiasts who like to add a little extra outdoor adventure to their weekend.

There will be plenty of parking with the school car park and areas alongside the N4 to be utilised. Two golf carts will be used to provide a shuttle service from the car parks.

Public entrance to race headquarters, the start/finish and designated service park is free of charge. There is also free public entry to spectator points along the route, and guides will be available at Malalane Toyota and race headquarters.

The qualifying race to determine grid position will start at 11:30 on May 16 and the race starts at 08:30 on May 17.