On Sunday, 6 March 2016, Hyundai Rock the Run powered by Jacaranda FM, hosted its third annual event which brings together a superb fusion of music and athletics to the city of Johannesburg. This year’s event included over 15 music acts along the route, as well as an incredible post-race concert featuring Prime Circle, Mi Casa, Me and Mr Brown and The Sextons.
Taking place at Mushroom Farm Park in Sandton, Hyundai Rock the Run partnered with various local schools and made a donation (raised by a portion of ticket sale proceeds) to the Music Enlightenment Project (MEP), all backed by three incredible sponsors, Hyundai South Africa, Jacaranda 94.2 FM and ASICS.
Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon 2015 winner, Caroline Wöstmann, who fired the start gun for both the 5km and 10km races, was amongst some of the special guests who were entertained on route by the music acts. FNB placed a bubble machine on route, while Redhill School’s award winning Marimba band had the masses rocking their race. Plus, Red Bull Wings for Life World Run welcomed the runners back to the park with a post-race sports massage, while water sponsors Bene kept all well hydrated for the day.
In addition to bringing a superb fusion of music and athletics to the city of Johannesburg, Hyundai Rock the Run partnered with various local schools that provided a rocking soundtrack to the thousands of participants who ran, jogged or danced along the route. With support from St David’s Marist Inanda, Redhill School, Kingsmead College and Global House of Music, the school bands were excited to deliver a high quality musical experience to all race participates. Our charity partner MEP, also entrained the runners with their ensemble.
The post-race concert kicked off with an entertaining trio, The Sextons, followed by Me and Mr Brown who had fans dancing to many popular songs such “Ho Hey” by the Lumineers. Multi award winners, Mi Casa also brought their unique sound with hits like “Jika” amongst many other chart toppers. And if that wasn’t enough, music lovers were also rocked by South African band, Prime Circle who gave fans the pleasure of enjoying their latest single “Ghosts”.
To enhance this musical experience on route and on stage and, music partner Jacaranda 94.2 FM presented the top listener voted bands to the event. Whilst Azurdee & The Blue River band, I AM and the Vacancy played on route, 2ndLife wowed the crowds on stage. Thanks to TOMS Music Store, each band received an R5000 online gift voucher.
In addition, Jacaranda FM 94.2 also brought a long popular on-air presenters Frankie Du Toit, Kriya Gangiah and Barney Simon to keep runners entertained as the presenters of the day. The stations resident DJ JazzyD rocked it out with his ever-so-popular mixes at the start line and the concert.
Operations Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa, Albrecht Grundel was also there on the day to hand the winners of the 10km race, Givemore Mudzinganyama and Leilani Scheffer their R10 000 in prize money. Cameron Curtis and Alicia Edelstein walked away with the coveted 5km titles.
“Firstly I would like to thank ASICS my sponsors for the continued support, many thanks also go out to the race organisers and sponsors of the Hyundai Rock the Run 2016 for a wonderful event with such a great turnout. I am honoured to have come out to be part of such an experience and it was such an awesome feeling crossing that finish line ahead of all the participants. I was feeling good and without underestimating any of the participants I picked up the pace as it wasn’t such a fast paced race but a great victory never the less,” said Givemore Mudzinganyama, winner of the Hyundai Rock the Rum Men’s 10km race.
You can join still the conversation by using #rocktherun. Post your photos of the day by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @RocktheRunSA.