No Plastic to “spook” you

The 39th Timbercity Spookhill 15 km Challenge and 5 kn Fun Run hosted by Helderberg Harriers in Somerset West was a huge success, as this years organisers took a leap of faith and abandoned all plastic.

In support of Modern Athletics` #RunClean campaign and Karoline Hanks and Kim Stephens #IcarryMyOwn campaign, the race organisers made use of refill stations.

With not a single sachet at the water tables, waste was minimal. This not only made the clean- up  team very happy, but with the belief that this contributed to an amazing atmosphere running through the neighbourhoods of Somerset West. The friendly supporters came out along the route to cheer runners on.

High- profile runners like Linda Doke, who ran the 15 km, and Annie Bothma, who ran the fun run in support of the #RunClean campaign as well as the amazing support of the runners community proved that it is not necessary to have plastic sachets.

Domestic Animal Rescue Group (DARG) sold collapsible Stojo cups to the runners that did not bring refill bottle.

In an attempt to get rid of every single- use plastic even the environmentally friendly, medals by sponor Timbercity arrived without plastic.

In the men`s category Deon Lee Hendricks, running for Elana Meyer`s new club, was crowed the king of the mountain and took first place in 48` 56 “. Locals spotted Ron Brink from Strand Athletics Club, who took first place in the 60 to 69 category in 01` 16″ 11 and in 70s category Schalk Hoon from the host club came 1st in 1` 20″ 38.

In the womens race, Zinthle Xinwe from Boxer took the lead early on and crossed the finish line in 1″01” 41. In the women`s 60 to 69 local runner Penny Ingram came third in 01″26″50, a third- year gracing the podium at this event.

In the junior women`s category, local runner Mia Doyle was second in 01″39″34. Neighbouring  club Strand Athletics Club women team won the team prize.

With a turnout of close to 1 300 entries Helderberg Harriers could make a substantial contribution to Distance 4 Difference (www.d4dsa.co.za), a local charity that funds various projects involved children.

The top- three women were:

1. Zinthle Xinwe 01:01:41

2. Novuyisi Set 01:04:21

3. Jeanette Kohler 01:04:30

The top- three men were:

1. Deon Lee Hendricks 48:56

2. Lukhuwayo Nobukada 52:10

3. Unathi Nteta 53:42.

Article Source: