Last Chance Saloon as Gun Run entry cut-off looms

Distance runners throughout South Africa were scrambling to secure an entry for this year’s OUTsurance Gun Run ahead of the cut-off this weekend to ensure their participation in what has become one of the most popular weekend festivals of running in the country.

Always smiling – top two in the 2022 OUTsurance Gun Run Half Marathon, winner Fortunate Chidzivo and runner-up Gerda Steyn. Photo – Stephen Granger

Many of the country’s leading distance runners have taken on the challenge of competing for Gun Run podium positions and accompanying attractive prize money over three decades of Gun Run competition and this year’s spring celebration of running (16-17 September) is likely to be no different.

The OUTsurance Gun Run Trail Run, which will take place over 17,8km, a somewhat longer distance than that of its inaugural edition last year, sold out a week ago and with total numbers already 3000 up on last year, the various road options are also heading for capacity status before the scheduled cut-off this Sunday.

“The Gun Run is OUTsurance’s primary marketing vehicle in the Western Cape,” said Carl Louw, OUTsurance’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We have many billboards and banners in Gauteng, our headquarters, and we have found that the Gun Run provides a good way of connecting with people in the Western Cape.

Carl Louw of OUTsurance with the top three finishers in the 2022 OUTsurance Gun Run 15km Trail Run, winner Ashwell Damons (Centre), Ivan Robinson (left) and Glenn Martin. Photo – Stephen Granger

“After COVID, Gun Run numbers were down, but they are up again this year and I’m confident we will get 15 000 in total entries.”

OUTsurance has built a number of significant partnerships in South Africa with the Gun Run one of the most significant. “It is our biggest people participation event,” Louw remarked. “We also sponsor South Africa’s rugby referees and the Pointsmen at traffic lights, in conjunction with traffic authorities. The Pointsmen project has largely been in Gauteng but has been extended into the Western Cape in Stellenbosch and Franchoek.”

But for September, it’s all about distance running and the title sponsor has been encouraging their staff to take part in one of the events on offer. “We love our staff to feel a part of the Gun Run, in particular those based in our Century City and Stellenbosch branches,” said Louw.

“Unfortunately, a knee injury has ruled out my own participation. I started a training programme for the race, but pushed too hard on the road, resulting in a meniscus tear. My doctor told me ‘no running’ but perhaps I’ll be able to join in the 5km Pet Walk, which proved so popular last year.

The 5km Pet Walk proved a popular addition to the Gun Run programme. Photo – Stephen Granger

“Animal Welfare do great work and we were delighted to double their R50 000 cheque from the Gun Run, contributing over R100 000 to their programmes.”

Anyone still looking to enter the OUTsurance Gun Run Half Marathon, 10km, 5km Fun Run or 5km Pet Walk can do so up to Sunday 27 August on https://www.outsurance.co.za/gunrun/.