South Africa's Mother City is about to become the first inner city in the world to host a gun push race. Yes, we also didn't know what it was...
A gun push race is a unique artillery gun race wherein teams of soldiers push anti-aircraft canons in a race, providing participants with an opportunity to show their physical strength and mental stamina
The canons that will be used for the Cape Town Gun Push weigh in at around 950kg and the route will be 7.5km long, starting and ending at the Cape Town City Hall on Wednesday 22 September 2010. The soldiers (there are over 100 of them taking part) will be racing in groups of 11. It has been scheduled to run at the same time as the AAD International Airshow at Ysterplaat.
The event is being hosted by the City of Cape Town and the Cape Garrison Artillery (CGA). Mayor Dan Plato told the press:
"This is a first for Cape Town and again shows the commitment of the City of Cape Town to celebrate the city’s rich military heritage ahead of Heritage Day.”
The race will be started by a gun salute from the Castle of Good Hope at 1 pm. Part of the Grand Parade will be transformed into a public military display with military bands performing.
For more information go to the City of Cape Town Website.
