March 3, 2003
By Jonews Reporter
NATURE lovers, including senior city officials, took advantage of the sunny Sunday morning to participate in a race to save endangered animals at Wemmer Pan, and in support of efforts to revitalise the park.
The event consisted of a five and ten kilometre run and walk as well as a one kilometre for the very young, the old and the not so fit.
Chris Ngcobo, chief of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and Vicky Mokone, director of Region 9, joined other animal lovers in a race to raise funds for animal welfare organisations. Whilst some participants exerted themselves seriously, others simply took a leisurely stroll around the scenic park. Some of the participants could be seen pushing babies on prams and others walked with their dogs.
"All participants who finish the race get specially designed medals", says Tracy Jacobs, trustee of Run for Wildlife, the organisers of the race. Among organisations which stand to benefit from the race are the Environmental Society of South Africa and the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife.
Previously held at the Johannesburg Botanic Garden in Emmarentia, the monthly event was shifted to Wemmer Pan at the beginning of the year. According to Jacobs, "a series of fun runs and walks is planned around Wemmer Pan for the whole of 2003". In time, race organizers intend to donate some of the income generated to the Wemmer Pan to support efforts to revitalize the park.
According to Jacobs, similar races are held regularly in Pretoria, Durban, Bloemfontein and in Welkom. Apart from raising funds for a good course, the race also makes for a great family outing, as all family members can participate. Registration for the race costs R20. The next race will be held on April 2.
