Gun Run 2011

Billed as one of Cape Town’s most popular half marathons, this year’s OUTsurance 94.5 Kfm Gun Run will have a new start and finish with participants lining up outside the Cape Town Stadium in Fritz Sonnenberg Road for the start and finishing in the new Green Point Park.

The event takes place on Sunday 9 October and participants have a choice of either the 21km half marathon, 10km run/walk or the 5km fun run/walk, which is specifically aimed at families, younger participants and walkers.

“We are really excited about this year’s event, especially with the new finish in the park, where there will have some great entertainment lined up for what is expected to be another record field,” said marketing director for OUTsurance, Peter Cronje.

This year also sees the introduction of the RaceTec timing system for the half marathon only.  This is the same timing system used by the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon and the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour and offers state of the art technology that will make the processing of results and times far easier and more user-friendly.

Those runners who already have one of these chips can use it for the half marathon, while those that do not have chips will need to purchase one at a cost of R80.  This system is used extensively at various other races around the country, including the 94.7 Cycle Challenge in Johannesburg.

The half marathon route takes the runners through the stadium precinct, V&A Waterfront, past 94.5 Kfm studios, along the Sea Point Promenade and out towards Camps Bay up Kloof Road, which means a few hills along the way but the views certainly make it a bit more bearable.

The 10km will wind its way along the Promenade, through the Waterfront and past Primedia Studios in Somerset Road, while the 5km fun run/walk is routed in and around the Green Point Park with its new walkways around the golf course.

The 21km starts at 07h00, the 10km at 07h30 and the 5km at a new starting time of 08h30.  Cut off is at 10h00 so participants have ample time to complete their event.  The Cape Field Artillery will again be at the event to fire the gun that starts all three distances and then again at 10h00 to mark the cut-off.

Colleen Louw, station manager for 94.5 Kfm said: “We are proud to be associated with a truly Capetonian event that promotes health and fitness and look forward to giving all involved some much needed support and encouragement on the day.”

Participants can enter online at www.topevents.co.za or pick up an entry form from any Sportsmans Warehouse, where entries will also be taken in store.  Entry forms and all the latest up to date event information can be found at www.thegunrun.co.za.  Contact Top Events on 021-511 7130 or info@topevents.co.za.

Entries close on Friday 23 September and absolutely no late entries will be accepted after this date.  Only entries for the 5km fun run/walk will be taken at registration and on race day.

The Bobs for Good Foundation has been appointed as the official beneficiary for the event.  It is a local non-profit organisation established out of the need to restore dignity and pride to underprivileged learners by giving them a new pair of South African made leather school shoes.

The charity was started by former Springbok captain, Bob Skinstad and his lifelong friend Ron Rutland, and both play an active role in fundraising and all the events the foundation is a part of.

The Department of Education statistics indicate that over 7 million children in South Africa go to school without shoes, which is more than half the school student population.  While there are many other social challenges that affect underprivileged children, Bobs for Good has chosen to focus on getting shoes to these children, as educating the youth is the key to the nation’s future.   “Shoes are such a simple thing but it can make a huge difference in the children’s lives,” said Skinstad.