Going the extra mile for charity

Over 1 000 athletes and runners gathered at the Germiston Stadium for this year’s instalment of the Alan Robb Race, last Sunday.

The annual event is held by Germiston Callies Harriers in honour of Alan Robb, who won four Comrades Marathons in Callies’ colours.

The event includes a 15km and 32km race.

A 5km fun run was also held to raise funds for Care Bear Gauteng Safe House for Abandoned and Abused Babies and Toddlers, in Elsburg, which offers a place of safety to abused, orphaned and neglected children in Germiston.

Among those taking part in the fun run were representatives of Heavenly Flowers Private School’s Lambton branch.

“It was delightful and we loved it,” said the owner of Heavenly Flowers, Heidi Searle.

“It was a great teambuilding activity and we did it as a team.”

New club member of Callies, Iselle Combrink-Groome, took part in the 15km race.

“It was an awesome and enjoyable race; well marked and marshalled,” said Combrink-Groome.

“There were enough water points and it was nostalgic to end at the Germiston Stadium because I believe most of us have childhood memories of athletics events at the stadium.”

Another 15km finisher was Amelda Holt, from Benoni.

“It was a good race, I enjoyed it and look forward to taking part in the race for years to come,” said Holt.

Callies’ president Brian Machill was happy with how the race unfolded.

“The event went well; we are happy with the field who participated,” said Machill.

“There were no accidents reported.

“The race saw an estimated 1 800 entries and we appreciate the support.”

It was an emotional moment for representatives of Care Bear Gauteng when they were told that R7 700 was raised for the home on the day.

“This just shows that South Africans can stand together, which is great,” said Care Bear Gauteng’s Lesley Johnson.

“People are willing to help and support.”

The director at Care Bear Gauteng, Annelie Johnson, agreed with Lesley.

“There is a lot of good we can do when we stand together,” she said.

Zenobia Venter, the house mother at Care Bear Gauteng, was lost for words.

“This is for the children. I am humbled by all of this,” said Venter.

“You have no idea how much this will help the children. We need more of such selfless acts from people.

“Thank you to everyone for the support – we truly appreciate it.”

Some of the race results:

Men’s open 15km:

• Mbongeni Ngxazozo.
• Derocious Makhubalo.
• Paulos Radebe.

Veteran Men 15km:

• Action Ramaboea.
• George Manamela.
• Esau Miya.

Women’s open 32km:

• Charnè Bosman.
• Emmah Mathibela.
• Rama Babili.

Veteran Women 32km:

• Bosman.
• Nomasanto Skosana.
• Lindiwe Ntombeni.

For full race results visit www.germistoncitynews.co.za.