In 2015 a challenge was issued to runners who wanted to run their first marathon on the relatively flat course of the PE City Marathon in December. Due to it’s success, this challenge is being issued again by Steven Lancaster of The Charity Space.
This year participants can choose if they wish to participate in either the marathon (42.2km) or 10km races on Saturday 3 December from the NG Kerk in Lorraine. The PE City Marathon is hosted by Crusaders Athletics Club and is one of the older, more notable running events on the calendar. It is considered a relatively easy qualification race for both the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon (56km) and Comrades Ultra Marathon.
Adding the 10km training plan to this year’s challenge opens up running and raising funds for charity to anybody. Allister Marran who ran last years full marathon as Batman and participated in the 100 mile Washie race earlier this year has challenged his Washie team manager to run his first 10km run since leaving school over a decade ago.
The final twist in the challenge lead to the name: #Superhero Challenge. Participants who raise R2000 extra can run their selected event in any Superhero costume of their choice. Eastern Province Athletics and Crusaders Athletics Club have approved the waiver of their regular rules for running in club colors to accommodate this charity drive.
Participants in the challenge will receive a training plan weekly along with encouragements via Whatsapp. They will also receive a running shirt to commemorate their participation in this philanthropic challenge. There will be weekly group runs for both the marathon and 10km training plans and participants are encouraged to take advantage of various time trials and runs around town. However, the training will include only 3 or 4 days of running a week, so it is not overly intrusive. Adding a balance of running to people’s lives also has benefits for their lifestyle.
Charlo Athletic Club have offered their bank account to collect entry fees, which are R280 per person. All proceeds will go to The Herald Christmas Cheer Fund who support more than 70 charities each year with the donations they raise. Christmas Cheer is Port Elizabeth’s premier charity and has been in operation over 100 years. Funds donated are not used for administration, but rather go directly to beneficiaries to raise cheer for people around Christmas.
Charlo Athletic Club is the largest locally based running club in Port Elizabeth. The #Superhero Challenge is open to all people whether they belong to Charlo AC, another athletic club, or members of the public.
TheCharity.Space is growing a list of charities in Nelson Mandela Bay online. It seeks to be the premier and most comprehensive list of charities with integrity in the area. There are also businesses listed who wish to promote their charity involvement or improve their brand equity. And of course, what would a resource like this be without a charity events calendar.
The training program for the marathon begins in the week of the 22nd of August, while the 10km training program begins in the week of the 26th of September.
Alan Straton
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