By Nomfundo Mbatha
PJ Olivier Sports Field was filled with people from across the district for the annual Oldenburgia Trail Run on a crisp morning last Saturday. An event that is as much about community and healing as it is about endurance.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Grahamstown Sunset and Get-Out-and-Run, and supported by For the Love of the Mountain, the trail run welcomed athletes from near and far to take on distances ranging from 3km to 50km. But every step taken that morning moved toward something bigger: supporting the Rotary Club’s Miles for Meals project, which helps provide sustainable food support for families in need.
One of the runners, Lizeka Menziwa, who ran the 15km race, said that the race meant everything to her. “I lost my sister three weeks ago. She had just started exercising and was so excited about life again. So today, I ran for her.”
Among the notable finishers was Annelie Pienaar, who came in second place in the 30km race. For Pienaar, running has become a lifeline. “I began running after going through a difficult period in my life, especially after my divorce,” she said. “Running gave me something to hold onto. It kept me sane.” Reflecting on the day’s race, she added, “It was an incredible run. Challenging, yes, but deeply fulfilling.”
Speaking to Debbie Smuts, the Project Director for the Rotary Club of Grahamstown Sunset, said this year’s trail run had 131 runners, making a substantial increase, particularly in the 30km distance, which drew 34 entries.
“The use of the new pedestrian bridge above Grey Dam, built by Rotary member Luc Marechal, was another highlight for the day, making the shorter 3km and 8km routes safer and more enjoyable,” Smuts said.
At the prize-giving ceremony, Rhodes University Geography lecturer Gillian McGregor received the Roger Rosewell Award for her outstanding contribution to environmental education and her leadership in clearing involving alien plants along Mountain Drive. “Her work reminds the community that these trails are living spaces, cared for and protected, not just used,” she said.
Giving back
The event aims to help maintain and repair Mountain Drive, including the R50 000 raised last year, and to support Miles for Meals, which builds sustainable food systems.
Smuts said, “The Sole Sisters running group also donated R35 000 to FLOM to support trail conservation and environmental education.”
