It’s takkie time at iSimangaliso!

Mark the calendar for Sunday 15 May 2016 – that’s the date of the next iSimangaliso St Lucia Half Marathon powered by Excellerate, the new lead sponsor. Embracing the spirit of Ubuntu and conservation for the benefit of all South Africans and visitors, the race has come to embody so much more than a sports event. iSimangaliso sees this as a day of people of all walks of life joining together to celebrate our heritage, and the values we endorse as a multicultural, inclusive society. Our themes this year are #saynotoracism and #saynotorhinopoaching, both key to our guiding principles in creating Africa’s greatest community-based conservation area.

If you’re looking for a healthy active weekend that works for everyone – and by that we mean the whole family, including trying-to-get-fit mum, athletic aunt, not-so-fit dad, grumpy grand-dad, crazy teenage cousin and still-in-nappies baby brother – this is it! The field is made up of an assortment of speedsters looking for a personal best, the novice transitioning to a ‘Half’, the Comrades dude looking for an easier early morning training session and the high school kid gung ho on getting that 10km done and dusted.

The event has grown significantly since its inception – doubling its entries last year – and all for an excellent cause. As part of iSimangaliso’s Eco-Series events, 30 percent of the entry fee contributes directly to the Park’s Rare and Endangered Species Fund, aiding the conservation efforts of species such as rhino, wild dog and oribi in the World Heritage Site.

With race management done by Zululand Multi Sports Club, it is an official race sanctioned by KZN Athletics and includes a 21.1km, 10km and 5km run or walk. The unbeatable scenic route remains unchanged as it takes runners along the edges of Lake St Lucia Estuary, with forest and beach views and the cooling shade of the dense green overhead canopy. Runners and walkers will do a full circuit along the edges of the pretty tourist town of St Lucia, as well as the Igwalagwala Trail, beach road and Estuary shores, to the final 300m stretch of the wooden Estuary boardwalk. The beautiful grounds of the St Lucia Ski Boat Club will host the start and finish line and if we are fortunate, the flamingos and pelicans will still be there along with the hippos and crocodiles.

There is also a strong focus on youth participation and developing an interest in healthy active experiences in a natural environment. With the ongoing generous sponsorship from Umfolozi Sugar Mill (USM), learners from surrounding schools will also participate in the event and have an opportunity to win environmental education trips to the Park.
Significant support from the St Lucia Ratepayers Association and local businesses has ensured prize money for category winners and lucky draw prizes for any entrant. The first male and female will once again receive a handsome R1 700 each, and in addition to the new sponsorship from Excellerate, St Lucia Ski Boat Club, Wetlands Water and St Lucia Liquor have continued their invaluable contributions for yet another year.
Says iSimangaliso Marketing and Branding Manager Lindy Duffield, “The event encourages participants to stay in the area for longer and to experience the beautiful iSimangaliso Wetland Park and its offerings. We look forward to welcoming you to our World Heritage Site.”

How to enter

Enter and pay online via http://http://isimangaliso.com/events/enter-isimangaliso-st-lucia-half-marathon-fun-run-2016/ or contact the iSimangaliso office for alternate entry and payment options on 035 590 1633. Forms are also available at the iSimangaliso offices and at the venue on the day of the event.

For Park information, visit www.isimangaliso.com, contact info@isimangaliso.com or call 035 590 1633. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube, or visit our website at www.isimangaliso.com.
Media enquiries should be directed to Siyabonga Mhlongo at siyabonga@isimangaliso.com or 084 382 0884.