Following the roaring success of the Brakpan SPCA’s inaugural Night Trail Run & Walk, the society is preparing for the next one and is ready to cater to even larger crowds.
Over 200 people gathered at the State Mines Country Club in Sherwood Gardens last Wednesday evening to support the SPCA.
Society manager Tamaryn Lombard told the Brakpan Herald the run saw 95 participants conquer the trail, signing up for either the 5km or 10km option. Described as challenging but fun, the run was also timed and professional.
“We had runners and walkers of all ages, there were even little ones being pushed in prams, and we thank them all for running for the animals,” she said.
“The community came to run to literally keep the SPCA running. It is better than what we ever expected, it was just amazing.”
Describing the lead-up to the fundraiser as nerve-wracking, Lombard said there were challenges but these were managed with the assistance of supporters.
The run was held in partnership with State Mines, Mall@Carnival and IRun Athletic Club.
“State Mines is a local landmark and one of the oldest establishments in Brakpan, and it just felt like the perfect place to partner with,” said Lombard.
“Rob Barrett (manager) and his team plotted the routes, and the run was also a first for the club. Then IRun Athletic Club came on board and we took it from there. They also had athletes participating on the evening.”
The evening turned out to be a great night out for the whole family, with a lively atmosphere, great entertainment and plenty of delicious food and refreshments.
While the main aim of the run was to raise funds for the SPCA, Lombard stressed the importance of utilising these events to uplift the community, as well as local businesses.
She was amazed by the community spirit and cited the different security companies present on the evening as an example. As businesses these companies usually view each other as competition or opposition, but they worked together to ensure participants and spectators were safe.
The event even attracted the attention of the Bloemfontein SPCA who sent a representative to shadow the proceedings so it may be implemented at their own society and featured in their fundraising efforts.
“That made us very proud that one of our sister societies noticed,” said Lombard.
The run was the first in a series of four the SPCA has planned. The next run will be held on October 30, with the last two scheduled for November and December respectively.
Another unique aspect to the run was the triangular-shaped medal participants received. Upon completion of all four runs, with all four triangles, the medals can be displayed as a pyramid-shaped trophy. The SPCA is hoping to bring more people together and has encouraged more local businesses to get involved.
“The more people we have actively involved, the more the animals benefit,” said Lombard.
The society extended its heartfelt gratitude to its three main partners, and also thanked Secure Tech Security, Guardian Angel’s First Aid Responders, Danie VDW Musiek, 3at1 Mall@Carnival, Brakpan CPF, Clean Brakpan, AfriForum Brakpan, Brakpan SAPS, BLAK Fitness Circle, Graphite Security, Fidelity SecureFire, Fidelity ADT, Puma Security, House Of Signs, Hair 4 U, Essentially Happy, Caroline’s Hot Fire Fast Food, and Housewives Trust.
Thanks were also extended to all the silent donors, the committee of the Brakpan SPCA, and the dedicated SPCA staff.
