Racing to save rhino is back in the Park

Daily Dispatch

@Dispatch_DD THE sport of running is often used to promote causes. Some of these fit and others simply do not.

Our heritage and especially the magnificence of our wildlife is a part of our existence. When it comes to the great outdoors, which runners so love, then an event like the Paws/Ashmel Spar Rhino Run certainly is most appropriate.

That any “human” can willfully kill these superb beasts is difficult to comprehend.

The poaching of rhino continues throughout South Africa and the Eastern Cape is not immune to the problem with three rhino having been killed in March alone.

On Saturday, Mpongo Park will be the venue of the now annual fixture which is run over 16km or 12km, with a 6km walk/run option as well.

Runners generally love the bush and are expected to support the

The course will be rugged and challenging with numerous climbs to negotiate, but it will also be beautiful and green, thus enhancing the spirit as the race is tackled.

Two Oceans is but a week away and this will be a great outing for one last longish run to test the legs of runners perhaps more accustomed to the tar, bar the gravel will be much more gentle on the muscles and joints.

The scheduled start times are at 2pm for 16km; 2.10pm for 12km and 2.20pm for the 6km.

Three hundred race T-shirts are on offer, while the setting for the prize-giving is set to be a relaxed and very social event. Entries are available from Total Sports, Ashmel Spar and on Saturday from 8am to 1pm at Mpongo Park itself.

event in

large numbers.