Nearly a thousand runners hit the start line of the second edition of the Puma Night Run Moka on 31 August 2019. This engaging event kept all its promises with the inauguration of La Promenade de Moka! Let’s take a look back at the preparation of this major happening.
Moka, a sports city! Surely the people of the region can only agree with this statement. Nearly a thousand participants of all ages gathered in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere to take up a formidable challenge: a 10km run across the heart of the island! The 2019 Puma Night Run Moka organised by the sporting store, Allsport (the official representative of the Puma brand in Mauritius) was aimed at both experienced runners and casual athletes interested in taking part in a night trail.
Starting from the Telfair Amphitheatre, the race looped through Moka Smart City – from Curtin University to Vivéa Business Park, via Helvetia and the city’s brand new pedestrian and cycle track, La Promenade. A grand opening for this place that is expected to become a gathering and relaxation spot for the citizens of Moka! “This promenade was designed as Moka Smart City’s central avenue: it will connect all residential, shopping and cultural areas, but also education and business districts,” says the Operations Manager, Léopold Le Guen. “Moka has a pleasant climate that is ideal for outdoor activities – and the Mauritian people love it. We would like to encourage interaction between the people of the region, who will come there to exercise, enjoy a family outing or a relaxing break outside,” he adds regarding La Promenade’s purpose.
Moka Smart City geared up to get La Promenade ready on race day. From cleaning to landscaping and lighting, nothing has been left to chance to make sure that the Puma Night Run Moka takes place in the best conditions! ENL Property’s Development Manager, Vinod Goonmeter, helped create the trail route. “I am proud that the teams successfully took up the challenge, working hard, among others, to complete the infrastructure installations on time. We managed to find timely solutions to illuminate and even embellish the course – a real plus for a night trail!” he says, reflecting back on his memories of the preparations.
Moka Smart City organised a wide range of additional activities to entertain the spectators of all ages during this fun sporting evening, including a photo booth, a kids’ corner, an acrobatics performance and even a fire-eater to close the event in style! “We are really happy to have hosted this urban race in the heart of the island. We put all our energy into keeping Moka Smart City alive all year round with sporting and cultural events for everyone, like the Moka Trail, the Moka Tennis Open, the Puma Night Run Moka and the Open-Air Cinema,” says Moka Smart City’s Citizens Collective and Events Manager, Ketty Lim Ka Lan.
Une chose est sûre : les participants de cet événement magique ne manqueront pas de revenir profiter de La Promenade de jour !