Road warriors can take their pick of races

THE sport of roadrunning is growing and this can be substantiated through the weekend launch of a compendium of new races, over three different distances, by one of the newest clubs affiliated to Border Athletics, Old Mutual AC.

On offer is a half-marathon, a 10km and a 5km all starting and finishing in the region of the Hamilton Club in Selborne, which is also home to the Diesel Depot 15km next month.

It is a brave move to take on three runs at the first race organised by the club, but they are one of the largest in respect of membership.

The 5km is an almost inevitable add-on to races in modern times, and often helps fund the longer distance events.

The 10km appears to be the most likely of the races to offer reasonable times although it does take runners down through Baysville and then up the significant John Baillie Road to Bunkers Hill and then right into Turnberry Avenue, as does the halfmarathon.

There are one or two more bumps, but nothing too scary for regular runners.

The half-marathon however is quite tough in terms of further hills to be negotiated. Batting Road comes at 10-11km. It is one of the Big Daddy hills of East London.

Later from 16-17km runners climb up East London’s most infamous hill, Willasdale Drive. It is a hill with national character, coming as it does with just 6km remaining of the renowned Buffs Marathon.

In respect of the 21km race it will have as much impact given that there are only 4km remaining once it has been crested. Those 4km are fast, provided there is something left in the tank and more specifically the legs.

Rain is predicted for tomorrow, but there could be a lull while the race is on.

Old Mutual club chairman, Thembela Makaula, said this week: “We expect 750 athletes for the 21.1km and 600 for the 10km – the 5km could attract another 500.”

Makaula believes the race will attract runners from other provinces, thus boosting tourism. “This is the beginning and we expect to grow from here.”

The race comes just eight weeks before the Comrades Marathon so it fits pretty well into any runner’s schedule.

The half-marathon starts in Clevedon Road, Selborne at 6am; the 10km at 6.30 and the 5km at 7am.

Entries will still be available this evening at Hamiltons clubhouse.