Durban prepares to host annual KZN DSR/KZNA Youth Run

IN partnership with KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation, KZN Athletics will host the annual KZN DSR/KZNA Youth Run, on Saturday, 9 June at the Kingspark sports complex.

This 5km/10km run, which starts at the Kingspark rugby fields at 8.30am, is open to everyone.

The race is carefully scheduled around KZN’s largest running event – the Comrades Marathon and sets the mood for the ultimate race the next day and offers the participants the opportunity to watch their loved ones run.

Hand-delivered entries are still open until Friday, 8 June.

KZN Athletics will be also be taking entries at their offices in Kingspark athletics stadium, or from the KZN Athletics stand at the Comrades Marathon Expo till Friday.

No entries will be taken on race day

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The race aims to encourage the young to keep fit and to ignite the love for running in them.

Over the years, there has been a large demand for children who travel with their parents from other provinces in the country as well as those from overseas to run the event with parents playing support role before the tables are turned the next day when parents line up for the oldest and biggest ultra-marathon in the world, the Comrades Marathon.

“The race has grown and it is always a beautiful sight to see young people compete to get to the finish line, their enthusiasm brings upon a heart-warming feeling,” said KZNA president, Sello Mokoena.

KZN Athletics would also like note that as of this year, the organisers of the race will focus on quality over quantity of young athletes taking part. This is an effort to use the Youth Run as a talent-identifying event for the province, and only the best athletes from local and district schools will participate.

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There are lots of instant prizes on the day, and a total of R17,200 in prize money for the winning junior (14-19 years) runners in the 10km.

The prize money is for KZN athletes only.

Team prize competition for a registered district or school team, 10km only, made up of 4 x boys and 4 girls to perform well at the race will win, top 3 positions will win a total of R12,000.

For more information on the race please visit www.kznathletics.co.za or call the KZN Athletics office on 031 312 9374.