First event roaring with delight

The debut 2017 Hangana Hake Run & Ride that took place last weekend at the coast between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay was a huge success as spelled out by participants and stakeholders.

Owned by Hangana Seafood – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group – this event has drawn approximately 800 participants both locally and internationally.

While fun was the reason for many participants, others were on a mission to improve their running and cycling times and to compete for a chance to qualify for the annual Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons.

Hangana Seafood Managing Director, Herman Theron, says the event’s success has surpassed his expectations.

“First of all, approximately 800 participants was definitely not what I expected. This event was huge, and I am very pleased at the success and how smooth everything went. Of course great thanks goes to the event’s organizer, Francois van der Merwe, from TwentyEleven Communications, whose dedication to the success of this event speaks for itself. He is absolutely fantastic!

“Then of course my team has shown passion for this event since day one, and has contributed immensely to making it a success. A special thanks to Tanja Payne for her dedicated role in supporting the organizer, and making sure the organizing of the event is as successful as it has been. And of course, this event would not have been possible without the participants.

“My greatest thanks to all my fellow Namibians who showed support in participating and making this happen. Also a special thanks to all the international participants from, among others, the USA, Australia, Canada and South Africa,” Theron said.

Nedbank Namibia’s Head of Marketing & Communications, Gernot de Klerk, at the prize-giving ceremony on Saturday afternoon stressed Nedbank’s desire to continue in sponsorship, and pledged to get involved even stronger going forward.

“Speaking from past experience, specifically referring to the Nedbank Cycle Challenge, I am aware of what it takes to organize an event of such magnitude, and of this nature. We came, we saw, we conquered. I am very impressed at the success of this event, we will definitely be back on board for next year’s event, if Hangana Seafood will have us,” De Klerk said.

The event features a marathon, half marathon, 10 km fun run as well as a 105 km road cycling, 21 km mountain bike, 21 km fat bike and 5 km kiddies' race. The 105 km road cycling race is a Namibian Cycling Federation sanctioned event and the marathon is a qualifier for the Two Oceans and Comrades marathons.

The event also forms part of the annual Walvisfees, a community event organized by the Dutch Reformed Church hosted on the same weekend in Walvis Bay, to ensure a fun-filled race day for the entire family.

“In line with the O&L Group purpose ‘Creating a future, enhancing life’, we are truly excited to add this event that encourages a healthy, balanced lifestyle, to our Corporate Social Responsibility portfolio, as we are confident it will make a positive impact on and enhance the lives of the community within which we operate,” Theron noted.

He also highlighted the importance of the Hangana Hake Run & Ride as an economic booster for the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay within the ambit of sports tourism.

The main organizer, Francois van der Merwe, said: “I cannot be proud enough of the success of the 2017 Hangana Hake Run & Ride. And I must say the number of entries and participants surpassed all my expectations. Yes, it wasn’t always easy, and we had our challenges, but at the end of the day, we manage to overcome them all and brought to Namibia an event that can only grow even stronger going forward. I would not have been able to do it without the support of the Hangana Seafood team leaders and volunteers.”