An elite only event, race director Nick Bester says entries are almost full for the capped field of 200 athletes but there were still some spots available. “There are still a couple of entries available and we have had some big interest for this year’s event especially internationally where there are some exciting athletes who will be making their way to South Africa,” said Bester.
Besides three world records already being set in the first two editions of the race, Bester is calling for top age group category runners to get their entries in for a chance to not only try and set a new world age best, but run alongside some of the world’s most prestigious athletes and take part in a World Athletics Elite and International Ultrarunners Association gold label event, the stamp of approvals only given to top notch events.
“There have of course been three official world records set in our event, but there have been many age group world bests and these athletes get to experience a world class event with live television coverage, a fast route, generous prize money and a quality medal and t-shirt whilst sharing the road with other world class runners.”
The route follows a 10km loop course which the runners will need to complete 5 times. It is fast, flat and free of any undulations along the beautiful Nelson Mandela Bay coastline, which creates a recipe for guaranteed quick times.
Top Nedbank running club athletes who will be returning this year include Comrades Marathon winners Edward Mothibi and Tete Dijana who have taken victory in the last two Comrades Marathon’s. In last year’s Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers 50km, the duo used the event as preparation towards Comrades. Dijana finished 2nd with Mothibi in 3rd position.
Athletes who are wanting to take part in this year’s event can email their CV to nbsport@lantic.net . The 2023 Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers 50km takes place in Gqeberha, starting and finishing from Pollock Beach, on Marine Drive, on Sunday, 26 February 2023. The ladies start at 05:30 and the men’s race starts at 05:50.
“We have brought the start times earlier in order to beat the heat and give the athletes the best possible chance at setting either a world record or a world age best,” said Bester. “There is big prize money to the value of 1 Million Rand ,R 1 000 000-00 and over R100 000 in Nike vouchers for the top 10 men and women and also extra incentives for setting new records as well as rewarding the best South African finishes on the day.”
The race will be televised live on Super Sport for 4 hours as early as from 5h20 to 9h30.
Visit the race website www.nickbsport.com or www.nedbankrunningclub.co.za for more info.