Running the Old Mutual 2 Oceans Marathon with Race4Conservation

race for rhinoRace4Conservation is a Non-Profit Organisation aimed at raising awareness and funds for conservation, by promoting a healthier lifestyle through established sporting events.  Their current focus is Race4Rhino, which is aimed at raising funds to support a tribally-owned rhino reserve.

The Gumbi tribe in Zululand has set aside an enormous portion of their community land to create a place where rhinos can be safe: Somkhanda Game Reserve.  At Somkhanda, a new generation of Gumbi children is experiencing the joy of nature conservation and being taught the importance of preserving our rhinos on their own land! Wildlife ACT Fund manages the Somkhanda Community Conservation Project by providing lessons and fun concept reinforcement activities in all Gumbi rural schools. All grade six students from the Gumbi communities that border the park are given the opportunity to attend a four-day, three-night conservation education experience at Black Rhino Bush Camp, all expenses paid! Bush camp kids get to see their own rhinos in the bush, while learning about rhino natural history, the threats to their survival and how they are monitored.

For the last few years groups of cyclists have been taking part in the Cape Argus cycle tour, as well as the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge, racing their bikes for this great cause.  This year, Race4Rhino decided to take part in the Old Mutual 2 Oceans Half Marathon.  We started small, with only 25 entrants and very little running training preparation!  Next year we hope to see many more runners taking part & racing the world’s most beautiful race for a great cause: our rhinos!

For more information and to stay informed about other Race4Conservation initiatives, follow their facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Race4Conservation and become a part of the fight against rhino horn smuggling.