Local nite run/walk to raise crime awareness

IN recent weeks Durban North and uMhlanga has been dogged by crime. Local residents made impassioned pleas to combat the scourge of crime in the area by being proactive about it rather than being reactive. One organisation who has taken this to heart is the Durban North/uMhlanga CPF who have organised a series  trail running events through the streets of Durban North.

Their hope, besides raising crime awareness, is to raise funds for the CPF to increase their capacity for night patrols and other activities. The Durban North Umhlanga CPF Nite Series is the brainchild of CPF members Arianne Hayes-Hill and Andrew Wood. There will be a race every quarter and will coincide with the seasons of the year, spring (October 2014), summer (January 2015), autumn (April 2015) and winter (July 2015).

“We would love to see more community involvement. The station commander of Durban North SAPS, Col Gopaul Naidoo, has welcomed our initiative and we hope for more people to join the CPF in order to combat crime in the area,” Arianne said.

The first race will take place on Friday, 24 October at 18h30 and will be run through the streets of Durban North, starting and finishing at Crusaders Sports Club. The route will be well marshalled and supported by Metro Police.

There will be a 5km fun run/walk and a 10km race for more competitive runners. To enter visit the Sport Zone store daily at Kensington Square. The fees for pre-entry will be R60 for the 5km event and R80 for the 10km event. The entry fee includes a reflective belt. On day entries will take place at Crusaders Sports Club between 4pm – 6pm and attract a R20-00 late entry fee.

Durban North councillor, Shaun Ryley, said he is fully behind the project.

“The race not only has the potential to become a Durban North institution but will raise funds for an important community structure. The money raised will in turn be used by the CPF to implement security initiatives around Durban North. In this way, the community will benefit significantly in the long run,” he said.

Ryley appealed to families and runners from further afield in the city to join in on the race.

Event organiser, Dave Ward promised a lively family atmosphere with post-race festivities at Crusaders including food and drinks stands and more entertainment. There will also be music provided by local band, The Kickstands. For more information contact Dave Ward on 0824921995 or email dave@wardevents.co.za or www.wardevents.co.za