Running for endangered species

THE iSimangaliso/St Lucia half marathon and fun run is just around the corner and everyone – young, old, fitness fanatic or social walker – is encouraged to register and participate in this event on 10 May.

Run or walk 21.1km, 10km or 5km and raise funds for endangered species.

For serious athletes, the 21.1km is an official race sanctioned by KZN Athletics. For everyone else, the day is an ideal way to enjoy St Lucia, including the iGwalagwala Trail, Estuary Boardwalk and other natural attractions.

As in previous years, children can participate in their own race and win medals and prizes.

This year’s event is dedicated to those who have gone before, including iSimangaliso’s Herbert Mthembu and Thembi Buthelezi, as well as long-standing St Lucia resident and community member, Jabu Msezane.

‘All three of these fallen colleagues were people who built bridges and practiced the ideal of ubuntu,’ said Andrew Zaloumis, iSimangaliso Wetland Park CEO.

‘They were closely involved in the previous iSimangaliso half marathon events and we honour their unfailing support as part of the greater iSimangaliso family’.

Youth participation in the event is encouraged by race organisers and this year a donation from Umfolozi Sugar Mill (USM) will cover the entry fees for 108 pupils from schools surrounding the wetland park.

As with all events in the iSimangaliso Eco Series, thirty percent of all entry fees goes towards iSimangaliso’s Rare and Endangered Species Fund which aids in the conservation efforts of the park’s rhino, wild dog and oribi. The next key project is purchasing eland for the World Heritage Site.