As the clear blue skies and the golden glow spread across the Drostdy lawns, a burst of energy came from all directions as the young and old started accumulating to sign up for the event.
While Rhodes Music Radio (RMR) provided some soulful jazz to get things going, colourfully dressed teams from Rhodes Residences came out in their numbers to support. While others wore matching t-shirts and shorts, the ladies from Walker house decided to go big or go home. “Our look was inspired by recycling,” said Walker house Environmental Representative Thabani Masuku, “We decided to make trash fashionable to make the walk more appealing to the eyes.”
Walker house was not the only resident team enthusiastically waiting in line to sign up for the event, among others, Rosa Parks also came out in their numbers to support this green initiative. “Even though we can’t make big donations,” said Rosa Parks Environmental Representative Rachel Ibbetson, “we can walk as a team, get to know other people and have fun while raising funds.”
With some still signing up and others just enjoying the colourful ambiance, students from five Joza Primary schools could be seen stretching and motivating one another for the run ahead. These students were all given the opportunity to be a part of the Green Fun Run through the partnership of The Rhodes Athletics Club and Rhodes Sports Admin. “Through our partnership with Rhodes Sports Admin, we were able to provide transport and pay the entry fees for up to 200 Joza students,” said head of Rhodes athletics Club, Neo Mohapi.
As the event got underway cheers and smiles were seen from all directions. With the youngest in front and the older people running closely behind, Rhodes student and staff marshals were seen flagging down cars to ensure that the run was safe for all the participants. “I wanted to get more involved with the environment,” said marshal, Luhana Andre, “I knew it was going to be a fun way to be a part of this initiative without actually running.”
The spirit of the people waiting for the runners and walkers to return was kept at an all-time high throughout. The arch was surrounded by supporting students and staff members waiting for the first few participants to start trickling in. Paraplegic student Warren Boggs was among the few wheeling himself in after the run. “It was great fun,” said Boggs, “on the down hills I would pass the runners but it became more difficult during the up hills.” Boggs went on to explain that he enjoyed the exercise and it was a good way to explore Grahamstown.
Rhodes Fourth year student Bronwyn Mothapo who managed to come in as the first female senior was more excited about participating than winning. “I am a runner by nature, but I am surprised to have come first,” said Mothapo, “I was tired half way through and so I did not expect to win. On arrival Mothapo received a Spekboom as a participation prize.
The Portulacaria Afras better known as spekbooms were placed in biodegradable cups with soil so that the participants could plant them without having to remove them from the cups. “These plants are good for filtering carbon dioxide,” said volunteer Marco Brutsch, “they are also useful for planting and reclaiming damaged land.”
Although not everyone could come in first place, the winners of this event are those who came to show support to the environment, “People might wear green once a year, but we wear green everyday,” said Amina Cachalia House representative Kelly Chandler.
Article by: Thandi Bombi
Article Source: Communications and Marketing