The Sizwe Dr Motlana Marathon 2015
New Marathon in Gauteng North is first qualifier for Comrades Marathon 2016.
The Irene Athletics Club announced earlier in 2015 the exciting new Marathon planned for Gauteng North. The maiden Sizwe Dr Motlana Marathon, which will take place on 30 August 2015, will be the first qualifying race for Comrades Marathon 2016, and is also a qualifier for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon 2016.
The organising committee of the Irene Athletics Club has negotiated with the Comrades Marathon Association to include the Sizwe Dr Motlana Marathon as the first date on which runners can qualify for the 2016 Comrades. Traditionally, the qualifying period only started on 1 September for the following year’s race.
The route for this exciting new marathon is “flat and fast” allowing runners to achieve better times. The 42km route through the serene Midstream and Southdowns Estates is a double-lapper, meaning 2 rounds of the 21km route. In addition to the long-distance races, the organisers are planning a series of family friendly events and entertainment.
The marathon only starts at 12:00, making the entire event an ideal family outing to the Irene Agricultural Research Campus. A 10km race and 5 km fun run, which can be entered for on the day, is ideal for younger runners, whereas the big picnic area, beer garden, kiddies entertainment, exhibitions and food stalls will keep the non-runners busy.
The announcement from Sizwe Medical Fund, that all participants will receive free caps and T-shirts, has helped make next month’s Sizwe Dr Motlana Marathon 2015 a highly anticipated event.
The 5km fun-run, which is not suited for wheelchairs, will take place entirely in the Irene Agricultural Research Council campus, making it well-sheltered for younger runners. The wheelchair friendly 10km route will go out into John Vorster and through Southdowns. The 21km and 42km route runs through Midstream Estates before returning back through Southdowns Estate and Southdowns College.
As organisers we are excited to establish this new race as a great family event, truly an embodiment of what our club stands for.” Louis Visser, Chairman of the Irene Athletics Club added that the club is committed to deliver a quality road race, in true Irene Spirit.
Runners can look forward to lively and well-stocked water points, among the energetic cheering of supporters lining the streets of Midstream and Southdowns. It will also be a great opportunity for the public to witness the marathon spirit up close.
The midday starting time allows for families to enjoy the entertainment at the venue, and ease of mind in terms of traffic flow and parking.
Registrations for The Sizwe Dr Motlana Marathon 2015 starts at 08:00 on Sunday 30 August. Pre-entries can be done at www.entrytime.co.za until 23 August 2015.
Stores selling entries:
Sweat shop Dunkeld, Fourways, Bedfordview and Southdowns; Run-A-way Sport; The Runner’s Store The Tramshed and Sportsmans Warehouse Centurion.
Click here for event details.