AFTER two years of postponements, due to COVID-19 regulations, the Sunridge Village Family Run/Walk will once again be held on Saturday, May 7. The start gun for the 10km race will be at 07:00 and the 5km race at 07:15.

Being the 14th anniversary of this sought-after event, organised by the Port Elizabeth Amateur Athletic Club and Sunridge Village Shopping Centre, it promises to be a great event.

Since inception this event has grown to become one of the most successful and popular events on the athletics calendar for both professional and amateur/family participants.

“We welcome the star runners from all over the Eastern Cape”, said Les Barnes, president of PEAAC. “It is so encouraging to see the hundreds of learners and families participating.”

There will once again be fantastic hampers and major prizes, including a R2 500 shopping experience from Sunridge SuperSPAR.

“Although an official EPA Participating Road Running League event, it also caters for the whole family with distances of both 5km and 10km,” says Suzanne Fincham, centre manager at Sunridge Village Shopping Centre.

“The school with the most bulk entries will earn themselves a R1 000 prize. There is also a special prize for the business/company with the most bulk entries.”

Other fun category prizes include first family home, parent and pram, dad and dog, and mom and tot. However, there is a restriction of one dog per entry. Entrants wanting to qualify for these special prizes must indicate this at registration.

Timed results for the 10km event will be posted on the windows in front of Sunridge Build It, shortly after the prize giving.

Pictures and results will also be available on www.sunridgevillage.co.za. The first 1 000 on-line pre-entries (done via the events section of the website, until 17:00 on Thursday, May 5) will receive an event T-shirt.

Bulk entries for schools and corporates can only be done manually at the Sunridge Village centre management office before close of entries, or on Friday evening, May 6, at registration. Contact Suzanne at suzanne@sunridgevillage.co.za for copies of the bulk entry form.

“This year we are expecting a record number of entries for the event since athletes and families are eager to get out doors and enjoy the exercise and company of fellow athletes and friends,” said Kevin Benade, chairman of the organising committee.

Festivities kick off on Friday, May 6 at 17:00 with pre-registration and late entries in the mall (same place as previous years), at Sunridge Village Shopping Centre situated on Kragga Kamma Road in Sunridge Park. Registration closes at 19:00. On Saturday, May 7, there will be pre-registration from 5:30 to 6:45, but no late entries.

Various stores at the centre will be manning the three water points on route, with a watering hole for dogs at the first water point.

Prize giving will take place directly after the race at 09.00 in the area adjacent to de’Swan Restaurant and Shell Service Station.

Prize money for various age categories is up for grabs in the 10km race, as well as a gold, silver or bronze medal for all participants that finish before the cut off time. Lucky draw prizes are attendance prizes, so stay after the run for the prize giving at 09:00.

On Saturday morning additional parking will be available in the park at Camelia Avenue off Aster Avenue, close to the centre.

For further information, go to website or contact Centre Management on 041 360 9442.