The biggest Green Fund Run in the event's history drew over 500 people last Sunday to support Rhodes University's efforts to be more environmentally friendly.
The biggest Green Fund Run in the event's history drew over 500 people last Sunday to support Rhodes University's efforts to be more environmentally friendly.
According to one organiser, the aim of the run was to achieve three things; to raise awareness about environmental issues, raise funds for Rhodes’s environmental efforts and to be a day for people to come together and have fun.
The Makana Botanical Gardens came alive on the glorious autumn afternoon as all kinds of runners took part in the 5km three-leg race. Some walked, some strolled and of course the more professional athletes came to compete. Rhodes environmental officer, Nikki Kohly said changing the date from the end of the year to March definitely helped with the good turnout.
The event usually coincided with the university's environmental week towards the end of the year, but this year they were both moved to March. Kohly said the previous date often used to clash with exams.
Once again Team Formula 21 were the team to beat, consisting of Sabata Simangweni, Basie Boneparte and Simphiwe Tana. They claimed the title and the right to plant a spekboom in their honour for the third time in as many years. Simangweni said that their win is owed to the fact that they take all competitions they take part in seriously and they have been practising for the run.
Boneparte said that Formula 21 enters the Green Fund Run every year to support a good cause. “We come here for the fun and enjoyment, sometimes you don’t have to run for money. It’s good to donate money towards environmental concerns,” he said.
The Pumped Up Kids, another trio, walked away with the second prize and Collin Bowels came in third place. Other prizes went to Team Drama, who received certificates for being the second best dressed team.
The team comprising of staff members from the university Drama department thoroughly deserved the prize; sporting frilly luminous green skirts and crazy hats. However, the best dressed trophy went to the well co-ordinated ensemble worn by the women of Jameson House.
The seven member team had faces of various political figures who support green initiatives stuck to their running gear. One member of the group was also carrying a jiving puppet President Barrack Obama. The Jameson team said that their outfits aimed to praise leaders like Gandhi who supported environmental issues, and highlighted how much leaders like Obama are puppets for international corporations.
Interested onlookers lined the streets and cheered runners on as they raced to finish the course. Organisers said the most important thing was to have people from all walks of life and all ages participating in an event that focuses on the environment. And this goal was admirably achieved, said organiser Fred Ellery.
He also said the large turnout was a dream come true, and estimated that along with the Vice-Chancellor's financial contribution the event raised around R16 000 to go towards environmental initiatives. Kohly said that this year’s turnout was the biggest in the three-year history of the event and, “it’s so great that people have embraced the atmosphere of things and some even dressed up. Next year's event will once again take place in March, Kohly said.
