THIS year organisers of The Philocaly Trail are hoping to champion the environment while attempting to set a world record of mass participation for marine conservation.
Nikki Williamson, who started The Philocaly Trail fundraising event four years ago, has seen the initiative raise more than R250 000 for various environmental organisations.
She hopes to emulate the success of last year’s event along the KZN north coast which aims to raise awareness of the province’s pristine coastline while also addressing the threat the oceans are facing with plastic pollution.
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This year’s Philocaly Trail (Philocaly means the love of beauty) will see participants walk 12km from the uMhlanga northern viewing deck at the end of the Promenade to eMdloti.
The event will raise funds for two organisations championing the environment, Adopt-a-River, Breathe Conservation on Sunday, June 12.
“There have been a lot of challenges, from a marine conservation perspective, particularly in Durban and our coastline, with the chemical spill and a number of sewage leaks. That is why we felt we needed to do something big this year. We would like to set a world record of 1 200 people walking simultaneously for marine conservation for charities. We are mindful of the Covid-19 pandemic and plan to have staggered starts but we aim to complete the walk in under four hours and we are all really excited. So far the response has been incredible and we would like to see more schools involved as The President’s Award has endorsed us,” she said.
Williamson urged Durbanites to come out in their numbers to support the event.
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“We’ve received such amazing support from residents across Durban and we are hoping for more of the same this year and we would love to double what we’ve raised over the past few years. For me the idea has always been to explore and appreciate the beauty of the KZN coastline. The charitable aspect grew out of the respect of someone who knows the incredible work the organisations we are supporting do. We encourage participants to buy their tickets and get involved in this year’s event,” she said.
To enter visit www.philocalytrail.co.za or book through www.quicket.co.za and by searching Philocaly Trail.
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