Every corner of the country represented at Grabadoo ‘22

SPORT NEWS - The 19th edition of GrootbrakGrabadoo kicked off with a bang at 07:00 on Saturday 31 December at the Great Brak Sport Grounds, being added flair by Mossel Bay Mayor Dirk Kotze sending off cyclists, runners and walkers on their merry way on a glorious Old Year’s Day.

Participants in races and routes of various distances totalled just over 1 100, literally hailing from every corner of the country.

Over the past two decades, GrootbrakGrabadoo, presented by interface by goji, has become a summer holiday must-do for families and athletes of different skill levels, and this year was no exception.

As is their wont, individuals and businesses from the scenic seaside hamlet threw their substantial weight behind the annual event, which provided temporary employment for 40 locals that served as marshals, helped with registration, and assisted with all sundries to ensure the event’s seamless running.

Equally laudable were the main partners of GrootbrakGrabadoo 2022, Property Connect, that made their presence felt not only through financial support but also in manning one of several water points. They were joined in this essential task by the Great Brak Ratepayers, who regaled passers-by with their yarns about the town.

Others involved in keeping athletes hydrated include crews from Wildfire and Mossel Bay Tourism, while De Dekke Spar and Coimbra Cycling House further swelled the level of local support. Finally, organisers are again indebted to Coca-Cola for coming to the party by supplying waterpoints and all participants with a Coke. Everyone also scored a handy, iconic Mossel Bay buff for their efforts, together with a Grootbrak Grabadoo medal.

Runners, walkers, families and their pets are urged to diarise the date for this year’s GrootbrakGrabadoo, ‘coz whatever you do, you don’t want to miss the 20th anniversary of this favourite Garden Route get-together in the greatest of outdoor settings.

Since the last day of the year falls on a Sunday, this year’s Grabadoo will be held on Saturday 30 December. See you in Great Brak River on the penultimate day of 2023!