SANDF's 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment gears up for annual Gun Run in Kimberley

THE SOUTH African National Defence Force (SANDF) is set to host the Annual South African Air Defence Artillery Formation (SAADA) Gun Run on December 10, bringing together military and civilian teams for a gruelling display of endurance and teamwork. Organised by the 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment based in Kimberley, the event will take place at the Trim Park starting at 8am.

This year's Gun Run forms part of a week-long celebration of excellence within the SA Army Air Defence Artillery Formation, running from December 8 to 12. The week includes a medal parade, a memorial service, and a rewarding ceremony to honour outstanding members.

The Gun Run itself is a highlight, where 10 teams will compete by pulling a 23mm anti-aircraft gun an estimated 7.2 kilometres through the streets of Kimberley. Participating teams hail from various sectors, including the SANDF, the South African Police Service, the Department of Correctional Services, and local community groups from Galeshewe, who are the current defending champions of the Gun Run, having won since 2019.

The route for the 2025 event starts and ends at Dalham Road-Milner Road at the Trim Park.

Participants will proceed south-west on Dalham Road to Memorial Road (350m), then around Memorial Circle via Dalham Road, passing Lyndhurst Road and Eureka Street to the Long Street intersection in a south-west direction (1.2km).

At the intersection of Dalham Road and Long Street near Checkers, they will turn left west via Long Street, passing Scholtz Street, Baard Street, Black Street, Mallet Street, and Froud Street to West Circular Road (750m).

At the intersection of Long Street and West Circular Road near Goldwagen, they turn right north via West Circular Road, passing South Circular Road, over the flyover, via Tucker Street until the intersection with North Circular Road (850m).

They then turn right east via North Circular Road to the intersection with Priel Road (600m).

Continue east to Compound Street, passing Stockdale Street to the intersection with Phakamile Mabija Road (300m).

Turn right south via Phakamile Mabija Road, passing Thompson Street and Southey Street to the intersection with Old De Beers Road (300m).

Turn left east via Old De Beers Road, passing Woodley Street, Bean Street, Frames Lane, and Edward Road to Quinn Street (300m).

Turn right south via Quinn Street, passing Chapel Street and Villiers Street to the intersection with Du Toitspan Road (400m).

Continue south-east with Du Toitspan Road, passing Lennox Street and Custom Street to the intersection with Lyndhurst Road (500m).

From the intersection of Du Toitspan Road and Lyndhurst Road, pass Hospital Street, Jubilee Street, and the fire station to Dalham Road (650m).

At the intersection of Lyndhurst Road and Dalham Road, turn left south-east via Dalham Road, passing Memorial Road (around the Monument Circle) to Dalham Road and Milner Road (850m).

The total distance is approximately 7km, challenging teams' physical stamina and co-ordination.

Beyond the competition, the Gun Run serves a deeper purpose: fostering esprit de corps among law enforcement agencies while raising awareness about gender-based violence against women and children. It also supports the Men-For-Change Organisation, a long-standing partner in promoting positive change within communities.

As Lieutenant-Colonel KP Mabobo, acting officer commanding the 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment, noted, the event seeks to create awareness and strengthen relationships between the SA Army Air Defence Artillery (SAADA) Formation and the Kimberley community.

The SAADA Gun Run has a rich history as an annual tradition in Kimberley, with past editions drawing participants from across sectors to promote unity and safety.

In 2019, the 20th iteration was held at the Oppenheimer Gardens, showcasing similar team pulls of artillery pieces. This year's event continues that legacy, emphasising both military prowess and social responsibility.