Fit families step out in St Lucia

ATHLETES from far and wide descended on St Lucia on Sunday morning, 18 May, to participate in the annual iSimangaliso St Lucia Half Marathon and Fun Run.

By all accounts, the event was a huge success and fun was had by all.

With 527 entries, this year’s half marathon and fun run was the best attended to date.

Open to all ages and fitness levels, participants had the chance to compete in the 5km, 10km or 21.1km race, running or walking, which took in the natural sights of St Lucia, including the iGwalagwala Trail and Boardwalk.

The cool autumn morning was ideal for the race, with the short downpour halfway through a much welcomed cool-off for sweaty athletes.

The first finisher of the day was Ntozakhe Zikhali from Mnotho Primary School, who competed in the five kilometre run in the schools category with a time of 22.2.

The first 5km non-schools finisher was Khulekani Mthembu, with a time of 27.16.

Mcebiseni Nicomo came first in the 10km run, with a time of 31.7 while the first 5km walker to finish was Annette Brown, with a time of 31.45.

The winner of the 21.1km half marathon was Thelumusa Sibiya from Ulundi Athletics Club. The 26-year-old built up a healthy lead early in the race and finished in 1.13.15, a full seven minutes ahead of second place.

As per previous years, 30% of this event’s entry fees is donated to the iSimangaliso Rare and Endangered Species Fund, where every cent raised is put towards the monitoring, introduction or protection of endangered species within the wetland park.

To date, the fund has raised more than R239 590, which in 2013 was used for projects including the introduction of 15 oribi into the Ozabeni section (12 of which were fitted with tracking collars), the purchase of four satellite collars for uMkhuze’s newly introduced lion population, as well as rhino foot collars and horn transmitters.

The outstanding support of the half marathon and fun run this year will, no doubt, see a healthy donation to the Rare and Endangered Species Fund, allowing more investment in the protection of iSimangaliso’s rare and endangered species.