Following the success of the “People’s Port Festival” during the first weekend of December, Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) Port of Port Elizabeth again hosted a very successful event this weekend. It became the very first port in Africa, possibly globally, to host the Colour Run - an internationally recognised event known as the “Happiest 5km on the planet” experienced by over 6 million runners worldwide. “We are extremely proud to host the Colour Run in the Port of PE as part of the world’s largest untimed running series. This event is hosted in over 200 cities in 40 different countries annually. It afforded us the opportunity not only to showcase the port’s world-class infrastructure, but also its potential for the future waterfront development. It gives expression to our vision of evolving the port into a ‘Smart People’s Port.’ Every successful event brings us a step closer to realising this vision,” said Rajesh Dana, Port Manager. The Port of PE has become one of the venues of choice for outdoor sporting and recreational events, due to the unique experience that a working port offers. In recent years the port hosted various public events such as yacht races, vessel open days, the Tuna Classic Competitions, Armed Forces Days, Urban Runs and port festivals, drawing thousands of Nelson Mandela Bay community members. Athletes will start at the Start Tunnel next to the Festival Zone (in the PE Waterfront development area), run down the Dom Pedro Quay, turn in front of the Manganese Ore Terminal, continue running through the waterfront development area and exit the port through the Baakens Street entrance. They will then re-enter the port through the Jetty Street entrance next to the Campanile, run down Palm Tree Lane, run through/around the Multi-Purpose Terminal and go back to the Festival Zone where they started. The event is managed in partnership with Zsports Events NPC, a PE-based non-profit sports events management company. It manages activities that support, promote and advance sport in South Africa, and particularly in the Eastern Cape, whilst supporting local charity initiatives. … [Read more...]

The Color Run is back, Port Elizabeth… we know you are ready for The Happiest 5k on the Planet! The Color Run South Africa is promising less frowning and more clowning at Port Elizabeth’s favourite fun run. The Color Run debuted in South Africa in The Friendly City, and PE has cheered on Color Runners every year since. 2018 is a year of firsts with each Color Runner receiving an exclusive finisher’s medal and equally as exciting is the event is being held in The People’s Port, possibly a global first that The Color Run is held in a working port. Port manager Mr Rajesh Dana is delighted to host the event as he explains, “The Color Run is aligned with Transnet’s strategy of transforming the Port of Port Elizabeth (PoPE) to a people centric port and provides us with the opportunity of showcasing our world class infrastructure.” Now in its fifth year, this year’s theme brings the spirit of the carnival to the streets of PE, as Color Runners celebrate health, happiness, and community in an atmosphere of pure colour and expression. The Color Run is the world’s largest untimed running series. It was founded in 2011, with the mission of bringing people together to make the world a happier, healthier place. Dubbed “The Happiest 5K on the Planet”, The Color Run is less about your 10-minute-mile, and more about having the time of your life. The Color Run has now been experienced by over six million runners, in more than 40 countries around the world. What you need to know: The parade leaves from The People’s Port: Port Elizabeth Harbour on 9 December 2018, Runners must be ready at 09h00 for 10h00 start. Color Runners are encouraged to roll, hop, skip, and yes, run through the streets of Port Elizabeth on 9 December. And, as a world first, The Carnival Tour is issuing exclusive medals to all Color Runners that cross the finish line and enter the Festival Zone. And it’s not just about a day at the carnival – The Color Run cares about community, and this includes a conscious effort to ensure that the region only benefits. The Color Run has committed to leaving Port Elizabeth cleaner than it found it… and even better, over the past five years, The Color Run has perfected the art of the dry clean up. Every drop counts, and not a drop is wasted. The Color Run also engages with local vendors and employs local labour, ensuring a boon for the area. … [Read more...]