Lake Farm Centre celebrated the 29th edition of their annual Charity Run fundraiser in perfect weather conditions on Saturday, 9 March. Proudly sponsored by Bukani Print, Pam Golding Properties, Investec, and Kingfisher FM.
Race Organisers, Nedbank Running Club, and Lake Farm Centre were happy with the support of the event, which doubled from last year with nearly 900 runners enjoying the three road distances, 5km, 10km and 25km on Saturday.
“We are thrilled with the response this year, and would like to thank all the runners, suppliers and sponsors who made this fundraiser possible,” said Lake Farm Centre General Manager, Amelia Laubscher.
“This year Lake Farm Centre dedicated the 25km Endurance Challenge to honour Ralph Kordes, local former world class athlete who is now coping with dementia.
“Rolf Kordes, an esteemed Duathlon athlete, Ironman, Comrades and Two Oceans athlete, used this Lake Farm 25km route for most of his training runs.
“Rolf, now 83, was at the Lake Farm Charity Runs to start the races and we are confident that this event will grow in support next year,” added Laubscher.
Runners, and their friends and families, enjoyed Lake Farm Centre’s famous Coffee Shop’s bakery and frozen foods, including scones & cream, Mastertons Coffee, pancakes and boerewors rolls.
The Saturday events were rounded up by Gareth Burley, with a prize giving and lucky draw.
Well known local top athlete, Melikhaya Frans, of Ikhamva athletics club, won the 25km in an excellent time of 1.26.55, closely followed by training partner, Thabang Mosiako, of Nedbank running club, in 1.27.03. Ross Barnard of Hollywood Bets, finished in third position in 1.29.34.
Kayla Nell, of Charlo athletics club, who won the 10km last year, won the 25km with a comfortable lead in 1.49.31. Theresa Buchner, of 32Gi athletics club, finished second in 2.06.01, with Sitha Sigenu, of Vukani running club, in third position in a time of 2.08.24.
Andile Motwana of Nedbank running club won the 10km run on Saturday, in a time of 0.32.18. He was followed by team-mate, Sibahle Maqwara, in second position, in 0.33.13, with Mzwanele Maphekula, of Ikhamva athletics club, finishing third in 0.34.54.
Leigh Callaghan of Achilles AAA, finished first in a strong time of 0.41.01, Refiloe Solomons, of Nedbank running club, was in second position in 43.27, followed by Inge Williams in third position in a time of 44.37.
Johnye Pullen was the first male to finish the 5km and Kylie Dorfling was the first female runner to finish the 5km.
This year the Lake Farm Centre celebrates 64 years of providing a loving home and work place for intellectually challenged residents from the Eastern Cape. The goal of the Charity Run is to raise much-needed funds and create awareness for Lake Farm Centre.
Lake Farm Centre would like to thank all the visitors this past weekend for making a huge difference with their fundraising support.
