The atmosphere was pretty much set by the early arrival of the members of the motorbike club, Ulysses, whose cavalcade purred into Red Apple’s parking: all these mighty men (and women!) clad in leathers and team regalia, some local and some who came from as far as East London, on their mighty machines! Harley-Davidsons galore! And as impressive was their mighty generosity in coming to be part of our fun run/walk.

Equally impressive was the turnout of locals, dogs, children, prams and all who came together to make the morning’s fun run/walk an event to remember! The registration table was inundated by a positive melee of eager participants …

And the weather played its part – in spite of dire predictions of rain, and a pumping wind, nobody got drenched!

Given the festive spirit, the announcers struggled to be heard above the chatter of the excited crowd – but they certainly did all hear the siren that signalled the start! And off they went …

4.5 kilometres.

At least nobody would keel over from heat exhaustion. But if they had, Coastal Kindness Medical First Responders would have been all over it!

And in less than 18 minutes, (18!!!!!) the first to finish pounded back into the Red Apple parking. Some of the walkers had barely left!

Kudos to you all but respect too to everyone who participated, to those who were proud of their times, and to those who took it easy and just enjoyed the companionable stroll!

Clearly everyone felt good by the end but they also did good!

This event was held to raise funds for the desperately needed repairs at the Marselle Clinic. It was in fact an initiative of the staff members of the clinic, albeit organised by Coastal Kindness volunteers. And we want to acknowledge that Mr Mohammed Docrat and Sister Assumption (Macky) from the Department of Health were among the enthusiastic runners and walkers.

And now the difficult part. So many people to thank that one fears some will be missed:

• First and foremost, everyone who ran or walked – and those who didn’t but donated;
• Lindy Heine who made it all happen, together with her 2IC Sergio Baartzes who also rushed around taking fantastic photos;
• Coastal Kindness Medical First Responders under the aegis of team leader Nick Albrightson;
• Sergio who mapped out the course, which appropriately included the Marselle Clinic, a course praised by several, and Shona and Mark for their guidance and advice;
• The indefatigable Patsy Bern who, with her team, took entries and reconciled the books;
• Build-It who manned the halfway stand and supplied water to the parched;
• Spar for a donation of cold drinks and sweets;
• Our whole caring community – without you we are nothing.

If we have missed anyone, watch this space for a comprehensive list of all who contributed to the day’s success!

Perhaps the ultimate accolade was how many people suggested that this becomes an annual event.

The community spirit is alive and well – no, flourishing – here!

Coastal Kindness – caring for you

Photos kindly taken by Sergio