After a two-year, Covid-enforced absence, the Gun Run started off with a bang at Mouille Point this weekend with a 21 km half marathon, 10 km race, 15 km trail run, 5 km fun walk and even a 5 km pet walk spread out over Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September.
More than 12 000 runners, and an undisclosed number of pets, entered to take part in the five events making up the 28th edition of the popular road race.
Cape Town-based athletes Ashley Smith (1:04:16) and Fortunate Chidzivo (1:14:26) came first, respectively, in the Men’s and Women’s Gun Run Half Marathon held on Sunday.
Gauteng-based Desmond Mokgobu (1:04:25) and Gerda Steyn (1:15:04) took second places while Sibusiso Nzima (1:04:28) and Rutendo Nyahora (1:18:37) came in third.
The biggest winner on the day, however, was the event’s main beneficiary, the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa (AWS SA).
Thanks to the runners, R51 522 was raised for the organisation which offers a full range of veterinary services to the underprivileged and disadvantaged communities of Cape Town.
Outsurance, the title sponsor, doubled the money raised, bringing the total of money donated to R103 044.
Allan Perrins, head of communications, resource development for AWS SA, says the money will be used to purchase a new six-berth dog trailer and to fund a pet sterilisation project in Gugulethu.
The balance will go to purchasing pet food and care bills at theorganisation’s Philippi-based facility.
