SIPHELELE NKETO

THE first-of-its-kind MMs Fun Run and Walk in the Kokstad area did not only draw the attention from the local community but two deputy ministers: Sihle Zikalala, the deputy minister for the Department of Public Works and Phumzile Mgcina, the deputy minister for the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

The event, on Saturday, February 28, will accommodate runners to partake in a 10km run and 5km run and walk.

According to Greater Kokstad municipal manager Sipho Zwane, the event was initiated as a small idea but gained momentum from municipal employees and the community.

“We started running in a small group of individuals every morning. Through social media posting, the number grew until an idea to host a fun run was put on the table,” he said.

He further said that the idea of the fun run was to host 50 runners. He added that a week later after opening registration, the number increased to 195 and 333 in the second week.

He said people who have registered to run are from as far as Mthatha, Johannesburg and other areas.

“The event will accommodate people that have registered, including the ones that did not register because we don’t want to leave others behind,” he stated. On Wednesday, February 25, the event was launched by the mayor of the Greater Kokstad Municipality Lwanda Madikizela at Oval Sports Ground, joined by sponsors and stakeholders.

At the launch, Madikizela said that the fun run and walk will contribute towards building social cohesion and promote a healthy lifestyle.

He said the event will boost tourism as many people from afar will participate. 

“A number of councillors will be running as well as mayors from the surrounding municipalities,” he said.

He assured safety for all runners as well as medical and disaster services that will be provided when needed.

Mcedisi Nxumalo of the running fraternity was pleased with the event and vowed to support it until it reaches a point where it becomes a qualifier for big races such as the Comrades Marathon.