Lace up for the bloody good walk
The anticipation has built, and finally the 22nd Paruk’s Hardware Blood Buddy Memel to Newcastle Walk is just around the corner.
Months of training will come to a head on August 1 this year.
The anticipation has built, and finally the 22nd Paruk’s Hardware Blood Buddy Memel to Newcastle Walk is just around the corner.
A date change is not the only thing to look forward to.
Last year, a combined 2 000 runners, walkers and cyclists challenged the 50 kilometre road from Memel to Newcastle, mirroring the journey of 12 pupils and three teachers of Amajuba High School made in 1993.
A small idea to begin a fundraising project has evolved into the event it is today.
Far from a local event for men only, the Memel to Newcastle Walk transformed, and changed hands from the South African National Blood Service to those of Johan Pieters, one of the pupils behind the first walk in ’93.
Since the handover a few years prior, the Walk now boasts three disciplines.
This includes the 50km run, which serves as a qualifier for the Comrades Marathon, the 50km individual walk and the 50km team event, where five participants walk 10km each.
The Walk begins at the Memel Church and ends at the Show Grounds.
“Companies can book hospitality stands where they can braai afterwards. Part of the celebrations on the day will take on a carnival atmosphere.”
The SPCA will be the beneficiary of a 20 per cent of the profits this year, donated through the Ncandu 86 Round Table.
Keep an eye out for the ‘Cause for the Paws’ team on the route.
The team is comprised of spirited animal lovers walking for the SPCA, and has created a Facebook page named Dreamteam Cause for the Paws. Klein Spoortjies crèche also challenged schools to better or equal their five team entries.
The first 100 entries this year will receive a goodie bag – visit www.memelwalk.co.za for more information and online entry forms.
Alternatively, call Champ Marketing on 034 318 1888.
