Fun at the annual St Michael’s Marathon

The annual St. Michael’s Retirement Village marathon took place on 24 August, and fun was had by all who took part.

At 10am residents, family members and visitors stepped over the starting line to the sound of “Chariots of Fire”.

The track followed a figure of eight in and around the village, and water stations were set up on every corner. The medic team, Quick Response Service, were on standby – and not just in case of an emergency. They also acted as marshals, making sure no-one cheated.

Peter Spencer took the lead in the walking stick category, for his was certainly the most interesting. “My stick has a bicycle bell that I can ring when I want to overtake someone who’s in my way,” he said. Also attached was a flashlight, a corn cob, a small bottle of brandy, and a little funnel with a pipe leading down the walking stick to the ground.

Angela Armitage and her dog Tiffy took first place. Hot on her heels was couple Olga and Dick Randall, taking second and third place. The first prize for stealing hearts went to Jack Russell puppy Skyla, a shelter rescue.

At the prize-giving, matron Petra Swanepoel made everyone feel like winners when all who participated received a prize, and were invited to enjoy hot dogs and refreshments in the hall afterwards.