Running to the sound of the ocean
"We are delighted that the increased support has also resulted in greater support for the race beneficiaries" - Millar.
A bumper entry into the Bummer Beach run and walk saw 280 people tackle the beach sand in various stages between Ballito and Umhlanga on Sunday.
The athletes took part in their choice of either the 23 km, 15 km or 5 km race.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Malcolm Millar said the entries had almost doubled from last year.
“We are delighted that the increased support has also resulted in greater support for the race beneficiaries,” said Millar.
The PinkDrive is a non-profit organisation powering mobile women’s health mammography and gynecology units across the country in an effort to educate and provide early detection of women’s cancers.
“The amount directly raised exceeds R2500 and, indirectly, through other donations associated with the event, increases this figure further. Last year we manged to raise about R1000,” said Miller.
The 23 km race started near Gianni’s Restaurant, at 6am, the 15 km from Beach Bums at 7.30am and the 6 km near Caffé Java in Umdloti at 8.30am.
Andrew Mackay from Kloof flew across the sand, bagging first place in the 23 km race in 2:11:36, breaking last year’s record by nine seconds.
“I enjoyed the race and while it was very difficult for the first 30 minutes, I just kept my head down looking for the hard sand,” said Mackay.
In the ladies’ race, Lisa Collett, from Umhlanga was the winner of the 23 km race and she took the third overall position, in 2:18:51.
“The race was amazing and the sand was nice and smooth. I do run on the beach with my son for fun, but we have never done 23 km,” said Collett.
Her son, Kolbe, took second place in the 6 km race in 28 minutes and 47 seconds, only 22 seconds after the winner Brent Yelland.
The 15km race was won by Jacques Tusese in 1:13:24. For the ladies, Jody Taylor took first place in 1:23:5.
See more photos of this event at www.northcoastcourier.co.za.
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