City marathon leads race against its competitors
Spectacular growth since revamp in 2014 pays off for spring event
AFRICA’S only IAAF Gold Label-status marathon, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, has won the Participation Event of the Year at the prominent Sports Industry Awards.
The annual springtime city marathon was shortlisted against the weekend parkrun fun runs and the Absa Cape Epic annual mountain bike race.
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon won the title for being “a leading event or event series that stands out from all competitors, embraces new ideas of technologies and improves the industry standard” at the event held in Sandton on Friday.
The marathon brings together runners, elite athletes, social joggers and surrounding communities to enjoy a spring weekend of running through the spectacular Mother City.
The event has witnessed phenomenal growth since its revamp in 2014.
The Cape Town marathon was awarded IAAF Gold Label status.
Elana van Zyl-Meyer, race ambassador for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled by this achievement as it ratifies our intention of building an event that offers an internationally competitive world-class marathon experience, while at the same time developing a level of meaningful sustainability through the Run4Change legacy programme and the 50 charities it supports.”
The marathon will be the high point of a weekend-long festival of running taking place on September 22 to 23.
The sensational race will include two Peace Trail Runs (22km and 12km), a 5km Peace Run/Walk and a 10km Peace Run.
It has attracted top-flight international and local elite athlete support, with countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, Australia and the UK.
South Africa’s top marathon runners Stephen Mokoka, Desmond Mokgobu and Nolene Conrad are expected to be taking part.
Van Zyl-Meyer said entries are still open for the 10km Peace Run and the marathon.
“We encourage those runners still interested to do what they can to confirm a slot in this year’s event. Along the marathon route (will be) a mix of live music, food and drink, and with costumed dancers to create the gees (spirit) our runners need as they move along the city route.
“We encourage everyone to come on down and support us.”
Runners can enter at www. sanlamcapetownmarathon. com