With almost 4000 participants expected tomorrow, the annual Bestmed Athletics Club Eersterus (ACE) Brace is back. The community-based road race will be held on Saturday, 16 January 2016 in Eersterust, Pretoria.
Established in 1996, the Athletics Club Eersterust has hosted the Bestmed ACE race successfully for the past 22 years and Bestmed has been the title sponsor for the past six years.
“What a way to kick start the year,” says Sasja La Grange, Bestmed’s Marketing and Communications Manager. “It’s a great way to start your training programme for 2016, whatever your fitness level, as there are a range of races to enter, from a 5km fun run to a 21km route.”
Bestmed’s sponsorship of road races form part of its preventative healthcare strategy to encourage healthy living through their five wellness pillars: Be Active; Be Nutri-wise, Be Fin-Fit, Be Safe and Be Happy.
The ACE race, which launched 24 years ago with 984 runners, has increased in popularity and today consists of the 5km fun run, the tough 10km, and the 21km route. The 21km route previously included the East Lynn section but as of last year it was incorporated in Eersterus as well. ACE is one of the very few clubs which allows free entry to the unemployed, juniors and senior citizens.
As this is a community based race, the ACE club recruits disadvantaged people within the community to assist with the organisation of the race. The Community Police Forum which constitutes about 40 unemployed members will be responsible for safety and security. A community NGO, Victory Outreach Men’s Home, a rehabilitation home for substance abusers, and other troubled individuals, will assist with setting up the start and finish area. All catering for 200 volunteers will be done by a local food supplier, Fusion Café. A local supplier, Slash Print, will do all printing and promotion items.
“The Bestmed ACE race is a community race so it’s important that they also benefit from this race either by taking part, assisting or providing a service. The race is suitable for professionals, fun-runners and individuals. It’s also a great way for families to have a fun filled and active day,” adds La Grange.
Related
Due to its popularity, growth and continuous success, Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) has approved the 2016 Bestmed ACE race to be a league race and the AGN 10km championship qualifier race. This implies an increase in participation of runners as all road-running clubs compete in the AGN league races hosted once a month. The Bestmed ACE race finished second position in division 1 of the 2015 AGN league.
“We are very proud to be involved in such a successful race and we will continue to support these initiatives,” concludes La Grange.
Entries to the race are open until Saturday, 16 January 2016. People can enter or get further details on www.just-events.co.za . Entries will also be taken at the venue from 4am until five minutes before the start of the race.
A portion of the proceeds will go to CANSA.
Venue: Eersterust Soccer Stadium, C/o St Joseph and Hans Coverdale West, Eersterust
Region: Gauteng North
GPS: 25° 42′ 54.12″, +28° 18′
