Runners and walkers will get another chance to enjoy the stunning Sapphire Coast with the first-ever Galleria Mall Challenge – organised by Amanzimtoti Athletics Club and supported by Sapphire Coast Tourism – taking place in Amanzimtoti on Sunday, 7 April. This is a great opportunity to spend a weekend enjoying the beautiful beaches and tourist spots found along the Sapphire Coast, culminating in this fantastic sporting event.
Racegoers can enter the 5km fun run, or the 10km or 21.1km races starting and finishing at Galleria Mall, with medals for all finishing competitors.
“Galleria Mall is committed to supporting our local communities, and the launch of the Galleria Mall Challenge is a great way to connect while encouraging healthy living,” commented Kurt Hoggan – GM at Galleria Mall. “In addition to the running and walking challenges, there will be lots of entertainment with East Coast Radio, amazing spot prizes on the day as well as goodie bags and medals for all competitors. We encourage everyone to come and support the participants and enjoy a great day out!”
Lynette Botha of Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, organisers of the event, said: “This is a brand-new race for Amanzimtoti Athletics Club and we are extremely privileged to have Galleria Mall host the event. We are hoping to make this an annual event with Galleria Mall and are excited to be including the 21.1km route as a KZN Half-Marathon Championship race, with prize money for the winner.”
Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism said this was an ideal opportunity for visitors to extend their stay on the Sapphire Coast, which includes extends from Athlone Park in the North to Clansthal in the South: “With the race coinciding with the Easter holidays, and the great weather experienced here, this is the perfect time to spend a weekend on the Sapphire Coast and experience all we have to offer!”
Some of the area’s highlights include:
- Amanzimtoti Main Beach and the fun slides at Splash Water World, including restaurants and curios on the promenade.
- The Sapphire Coast is great for water sports such as paddling, surfing, bodyboarding and kitesurfing.
- There is much to be explored inland along the Sapphire Coast such as Nungwane Waterfall in the heart of Umbumbulu, Mnini Dam and the historic town of Adams Misson with Maqaqa Exclusive Lifestyle offering a unique traveller’s experience.
- The world-class Aliwal Shoal dive site is perfect for scuba diving, snorkelling, and deep-sea fishing, with horse rides, birdwatching, nature reserve walks some other top activities.
- Golfers can enjoy a round at Umkomaas Golf Club or Amanzimtoti Country Club and Conservancy which is also a great venue for conferencing and birdwatching.
- The nearby Crocworld Conservation Centre promises a family-fun day out and great birdwatching.
Visitors can book into a wide range of accommodation options that cater for all travel needs including hotels, guesthouses, self-catering apartments, caravan and camping facilities.
Galleria Mall Challenge Details
- Date: Sunday, 7 April 2024
- Venue: Galleria Mall, Amanzimtoti
- Times: 6am for the 10km and 21.1.km, 8am for the 5km fun run
- Costs: R75 for the 5km, R195 for the 10km, R225 for the 21.1km, R80 for a temporary licence.
- Cut-off dates: Shirts to early bird entrants only closing on 11 March. Online entries close on 28 March, and late entries on 6 April. No entries on race day apart from 5km fun run.
- Prizes: There will be a cash prize for the 10km & 21.1km, medals for all finishers, and goodie bags for all competitors. Amazing Spot prizes and vouchers on race day.
- Book: Online entries at www.webtickets.co.za, contact Lynette Botha on 082 498 6032 for race information.
For more information about the Sapphire Coast, visit www.sapphirecoasttourism.co.za
