2026 Hambrook Fun Run

Planning for the event began with meetings involving the local municipality and ward councillor to obtain the necessary permission and secure the use of the Hambrook Community Hall. Promotional posters were subsequently distributed throughout the village and shared via WhatsApp. In hindsight, the marketing could have commenced earlier, and for future events we aim to begin promotion at least eight weeks in advance.

Online pre-registrations continued until midnight on 24 July, with 84 participants registering in advance. On race day, 10 pre-registered runners were unable to attend, while 16 additional participants registered on the morning, resulting in a total field of 90 runners.

The majority of volunteers were members of the Three Tree Hill team. Seven route marshals were positioned at strategic points along the course, which followed Mdunge Road through the village, crossed the Venterspruit, looped around Nobomi High School, and finished back at the Community Hall. A water and Coca-Cola refreshment station was positioned at Emahawini Tuck Shop, approximately halfway along the 5 km route. Participants in the 10 km race completed the course twice.

The event was supported by two official timekeepers, four registration volunteers and one volunteer managing the finish-line refreshments. Ndabezinhle Mabuya served as Master of Ceremonies throughout the morning. Upon completing their race, every participant received a doughnut, generously sponsored by Pereira's Bakery, together with oranges kindly donated by Robyn Tobias of Howick, and a choice of juice and water.

Once all competitors had crossed the finish line, participants were invited to take part in a lively aerobics session led by Thami from Workout Warehouse, Howick. The session combined stretching exercises with introductory boot camp activities and proved to be a highlight for the day. For many participants, it was their first experience of organised group fitness, and the enthusiasm and laughter from the community made it an unforgettable experience.

The morning concluded with the prize-giving ceremony and sandwiches for lunch. It was heart-warming to witness the genuine excitement and encouragement shown by the community as each prize winner was recognised. One important lesson learnt was the need to introduce separate prize categories for men and women in future events, and this will be implemented next year. Special prizes were also awarded to the youngest and oldest participants, together with a lucky draw prize, donated by Hillbillies, for one participant who had pre-registered.

Results

10 km

1st: Siphamandla Dladla – 40:53 – Trophy, Medal & R500 Cash Prize

2nd: Sbongakonke Khumalo – 42:00 – Pereira's Butchery Voucher

3rd: Nhlalenhle Khumalo – 45:51 – Hillbillies Food Hamper

5 km

1st: Loyiso Mazibuko – 19:48 – Trophy, Medal & R400 Cash Prize

2nd: Syethemba Maphalala – 20:05 – 5 kg Pereira's Russians (he ran the entire route with bare feet!)

3rd: Thuba Zulu – 20:27 – Hillbillies Food Hamper

Special Awards

Youngest Participant

Sivine Shabangu (11 years) – Hillbillies Food Hamper

Oldest Participant

Sebenzile Makhaza (79 years) – Pereira's Shisanyama Platter for Two (she ran the entire route in her dress and boot slippers!)

The winners of both race distances each received a trophy, medal and cash prize in recognition of their achievement.

Acknowledgements

The success of the inaugural Hambrook Fun Run would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors, volunteers and community partners. We extend our sincere thanks to:

Pereira's Butchery
Pereira's Bakery
Pereira's Russians
Pereira's Shisanyama
Boxer Stores Bergville
Hillbillies (Champagne Valley Fresh Produce)

We are equally grateful to the volunteers, community leaders, the Hambrook community, and every participant who contributed to making the inaugural Hambrook Fun Run such a memorable occasion. We look forward to building on this success and welcoming even more runners in 2027.