Race noise levels unacceptable says resident
We have received positive feedback after the race from the local community and runners and we would like to thank residents of Bedfordview, Primrose and the surrounding areas, particularly those affected by the route, for their patience and support.
EDITOR – I would like for someone to address the running event held between the hours of 05:00 and 08:00 on January 16.
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Boake Inc, a company based in Bradford Road, Bedfordview, every year holds a running event whereby loud music is played, with consistent shouting and cheering on, being noise pollution to an unacceptably high level.
Not only is this event in contravention of Covid-19 regulations, but is a clear violation of the Ekurhuleni by-laws on noise pollution.
Every year I complain to this company, but they refuse to respond. Every year I complain to the organisers, and they are less than interested to adhere.
This year I phoned the police, but they also did not send out a unit to address the matter.
I want an article published addressing this matter and showing how this company is violating the laws of the country.
Deon Grobler
Bedfordview
EDITOR’S COMMENT: The letter was sent to event organisers, the Bedfordview Athletics Club, to provide comment.
The club commented as follows:
We have received positive feedback after the race from the local community and runners and would like to thank residents of Bedfordview, Primrose and the surrounding areas, particularly those affected by the route, for their patience and support.
The annual Dis-Chem Half-Marathon and the route is approved by the City of Ekurhuleni, the EMPD, Athletics South Africa and complies with the SA Government Covid regulations and the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2 of 2010 (SASREA).
The race is costly to host, especially this year, to ensure all requirements of SASREA and Covid were met.
Covid protocols were put in place at all four of the water points, with masks, sanitising, completion of the ASA Covid-19 Health Questionnaire and social distancing.
The number of people allowed at an outdoor event was not exceeded at any of the water points.
Runners were provided with sealed water and cooldrinks.
All litter along the route was picked up by the volunteers at the water points and the marshals.
The water points are manned by volunteers and are critical to any road race. We appreciate the efforts of Boake Inc to host this water point at the halfway mark of the race. They do a sterling job.
It is unlikely that the sound levels of cheering for runners and the music exceeded 85 decibels between 06:00 and 08:00, the legal noise limits stipulated in the by-laws (85 decibels is how loud live music concerts can get).
We understand that, unfortunately, we will inconvenience some members of our community with the traffic or the noise, and we do start communicating the date, time and route on multiple platforms a month before the race so that residents and businesses are aware.
It is a positive outdoor event hosted by Bedfordview Country Club Athletics Club and happens once a year when it kicks off the athletics calendar in Gauteng and creates a vibe in our beautiful suburbs.
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