It really is faster on foot – if you factor in the 15-minute penalty added to the times of competitors in vehicles.
The Three Jills and a Jack team, comprising Di Grant (team leader), Kelly Dower, Kevin and Michelle Rafferty won the Amazing Chase around the streets of Grahamstown on Saturday morning when they sprinted over the finish line after 40 minutes, a mere two minutes after Pierre Ranchhod and his team completed the event by car.
It really is faster on foot – if you factor in the 15-minute penalty added to the times of competitors in vehicles.
The Three Jills and a Jack team, comprising Di Grant (team leader), Kelly Dower, Kevin and Michelle Rafferty won the Amazing Chase around the streets of Grahamstown on Saturday morning when they sprinted over the finish line after 40 minutes, a mere two minutes after Pierre Ranchhod and his team completed the event by car.
There was a close finish between the top three teams of runners with Virginia Englebrecht and her team coming in second while Lila Kelly led the Zipps into third position.
Teams were allowed to choose their own modes of transport, but most set off on foot as there were time penalties of 15 minutes for those in cars and five minutes for cyclists.
Fifteen teams set off from the Old Provost on Rhodes Campus in an event based on the Amazing Race TV programme.
The Amazing Chase was designed by Makana Tourism to teach people a little about Grahamstown and at the same time have some fun while celebrating World Tourism Day.
Teams rushed through campus up to the oldest post-box in the country on Worcester Street, then to Speke Street, High Street and on to the railway station picking up a total of 12 cryptic clues on their way, eventually heading back to the Botanical Gardens.
All 15 teams that began the chase, including three teams in cars and only one team of cyclists, managed to complete the event.
The chase was well organised and was enjoyed in good spirits despite the rather chilly weather. Gadra’s marimba ensemble of talented musicians was present at the start and finish to motivate competitors.
After the last team, led by Les Reynolds, arrived at the finish line in the Botanical Gardens, an informal prizegiving ceremony was hosted by National Arts Festival CEO, Tony Lankester.
He presented a number of spot prizes to competitors as well as luxurious game lodge prizes to the top three teams.
National Arts Festival Director, Ismail Mahomed, jokingly asked the master of ceremonies whether the Festival could claim royalties on use of the word ‘Amazing’.
