FOREWORD
Messages ofWelcome
From the Title Sponsor … From the Host City …
When proudly African bank , Absa , took over as title sponsor of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY series a year and a half ago , our biggest goal was not only to grow this platform , but to galvanise people and use it as a vehicle to get closer to our colleagues , customers , and most importantly , communities . We are happy that through the Absa Force for Good initiative , we will be able to change lives in Gqeberha .
Our campaign , Together we do more , Siyabangena , encourages colleagues , customers and community members to be an active force for good and raise funds via a Strava community to donate towards community upliftment . For every 1km run / walked by a Team Absa member on the Strava App , the bank donates R1 to make a difference in the community .
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality welcomes all athletes to Gqeberha , and extends its thanks to Absa for presenting the first edition of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in Gqeberha this Sunday .
The municipality continues to play a key role in developing talented athletes in the region by hosting world class events in the City . Boosting sporting events and tourism is high on the city ’ s agenda , and partnering with high-profile events like the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K , which achieve international participation and exposure for our City , are well suited to this goal .
We wish everyone a wonderful race , and thank all stakeholders involved in putting this race together .
This year ’ s series promises to be bigger and better than ever before , and we ’ re pleased that you ’ ve decided to be a part of it . Gqeberha is one of the two extended cities to host the series , and we look forward to exploring this beautiful city . Whether you ’ re an experienced runner or a beginner , the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10k is the perfect opportunity to test yourself and push yourself to new limits .
Remember that this event is not just about individual achievement , but also about coming together as a community to celebrate good health , fitness and wellbeing . So , whether you ’ re running with friends , family or colleagues , take the time to enjoy the company of those around you , and soak up the energy and excitement of the day .
We look forward to welcoming thousands of participants on 2 April to create a meaningful impact in a fun way . I can ’ t wait to see you all at the finish line .
Sydney Mbhele
Absa ’ s Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer
From the Host Province …
On behalf of Eastern Province Athletics , I wish to welcome all the athletes to the Eastern Cape . We are delighted to host this prestigious event , the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10km , and look forward to providing you with an opportunity to enjoy our hospitality .
We extend our gratitude to our Eastern Province Athletics ’ main sponsor , Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , for hosting the first edition of this event in Gqeberha . With their partnership and support , we have been able to successfully grow athletics in the Eastern Cape .
I wish to thank Absa for bringing this great event to our city , and for entrusting EPA and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to assist in hosting this event . We wish all the runners the best of luck for the race , and a wonderful stay in our friendly city .
Sticks Stiglingh
EPA President
Cllr Bassie Kamana
MMC for Sport Recreation , Arts and Culture ( DSRAC ) Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
From the Race Founder …
What a privilege it is to open the 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY 10k Series in Gqebertha ! Joining Tshwane as one of the two new cities added in 2023 , Gqebertha has welcomed the series warmly , and as organisers and partners we cannot be more excited to be in Gqebertha for the first event in the 2023 series .
Over the last few years , Gqebertha has seen many great performances across various endurance sports . We hope that the world class runners visiting Gqebertha to run in this year ’ s inaugural event , will further contribute to the city being known as the city of champions .
Even more important , we hope that that the event will encourage and energise everyone in the Eastern Cape to be active and lead a healthy lifestyle . Getting up off the couch and taking part in an event such as this is a major step towards creating that healthier lifestyle we all desire . We hope to see as many runners and walkers as possible on the start line .
Gqebertha has also branded itself as the city of action , and we hope that everyone running , everyone watching in the city , as well as the many thousands of television viewers watching it live on Supersport , will experience that world class action .
As usual , we thank to our anchor sponsors , Absa , Puma , Chery , Coca-Cola and DHL . We also warmly welcome our new major partners , Woolworths , Garmin and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to the RUN YOUR CITY family . Together , we look forward to creating world class , unique and invigorating running experiences for thousands of runners across South Africa , for many years to come .
Finally , we wish every runner has an amazing , rewarding and fun experience . Good luck !
Michael Meyer
Managing Director of Stillwater Sports
4 Run Your City Series