Residents of Irene and neighbouring areas were abuzz with excitement as they took part in a Valentine’s day celebration with a twist – the Spar Irene lantern race.
To keep-up with the theme of “love”, lanterns were placed on the race trail and organiser, Wynand Breytenbach, said this was to create a romantic atmosphere.
ALSO READ: Don’t miss out on the 2018 SPAR Irene Lantern Race
“We want people to get that romantic atmosphere here and what makes it so special is that it’s on the farm,” he said.
He said the seclusion from roads and cars also added an element of safety.
Breytenbach told Rekord the idea behind the race was for people to enjoy themselves and promote a healthier lifestyle.
“We want people to have a nice evening out and we want to promote a healthy lifestyle in the process.”
He also hoped people would take the chance and make new friends and for the lone runners to, hopefully, find a companion.
Entrants came from Irene, and neighbouring areas and even as far as Eersterust, in the Moot.
The race, in its 21st year, attracted more than 4 000 participants to the agricultural research council campus.
Breytenbach said it was lovely that this year’s race fell on Valentine’s day.
“It’s always on the Wednesday it’s just a coincidence that this year the Wednesday was the 14th,” he said.
A few top runners won cash prizes and the first 10 men and women each received a gold medal with the next 100 finishers getting silver medals and the next 300 bronze.
ALSO READ: Five reasons to join in the fun at the SPAR Irene Lantern Race
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