With twice the number of entries in all categories from the previous year, the Mimosa Mall Marathon held on 1 March was, in all aspects, a huge success.
Neelofar Issa, general manager of Mimosa Mall, said the whole experience was humbling.
“We were amazed at the support we received and the number of entries for this year’s race.”
With this only being the second year the race was held, a marathon category was added, making the event a Comrades qualifier. Runners were able to participate in a marathon, half-marathon, 10 km and a 5 km fun run.
The race was held in support of the Louzanne Coetzee Foundation, who received a donation of R12 000 just last week.
“We greatly appreciate the donation,” Louzanne Coetzee, founder of the foundation, said.
“It is important that people in Bloem trust us to do good work in the sporting community, but also in the disability community. When a big corporation like Mimosa shows their support in the foundation, it means a lot. They were the first partner in the foundation and it will always be a super special relationship and a special event.”
Coetzee said running is her passion.
“It is not every event that feeds into you passion.”
This blind Paralympic athlete, along with guide Sewie Sewenster, ran 21 km on 1 March.
“We thought the route was going to be very challenging, but we found it to be amazing.
“The route was so versatile and it was a surprisingly fast. It took you across different iconic areas in Bloemfontein like Tempe, the University of the Free State (UFS), and Grey College.
“What also warmed my heart, was how everybody got involved in the event,” she said.
Jaco Ebertsohn of the Bloemfontein Striders that organised the race and route, said he measured the success on the amount of smiling participants along the route.
“It is not easy to organise a big running event like the Mimosa Mall Marathon, but the team made it look like child’s play. I am so proud of everyone involved.”
Neelofar said the fact that there was such a rush for entries during the last two days leading up to the event, showed its popularity.
Mimosa Mall chose to cease entries once capacity was reached at 2 000, as the intention was always to provide the very best experience to all runners.
“We made every effort to enhance this year’s event, increasing the prize money, introducing a full marathon, and expanding both water points and sponsorship support. Next year, we are committed to raising the bar even higher,” Neelofar said.
Jeannine van Zyl, general manager of Novus Media Community News in the Free State and Northern Cape and media sponsor of the marathon, said it was an unforgettable experience.
“It was an honor to be part of it all. It is such a good way to get the community together and share in their joy of running.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.