In the previous three editions, the event was only open to elite athletes who were invited to take part in the fast 5 lap 10km course but this year, the event will be open to all and will be an official Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon qualifier. What’s even better is there will also be an official 42,2km timing mat which runners will also be allowed to use to submit as a qualifier. Transport back to the 50km finish line will be arranged for those athletes who finish on the 42.2km mark.
Another exciting change to the event, which is organised by EP Athletics in partnership with Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, is the addition of a 10km race.
The 50km route this year will take runners on an out and back course alongside the beautiful Gqeberha coastline.
A new incentive for competitors is that for the first time this event will incorporate the Athletics South Africa 50km national championships, with athletes from around the country expecting to compete with the honor of being crowned national champion. Not only is this a first for the event, but it is also the first time that the 50km distance qualifies for an official national championship.
With an extended 6 and a half hours cut off time for the event and a fast course with no major difficulties along the way, local runners have the perfect opportunity to use the event as a qualifier for the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons.
For the speedier runners up front, great prize money has been set up with R30 000 going to the victor as well as various cash prizes to the different age groups. To qualify though for the prize money on offer, athletes must be either invited to the event as elite, be a provincial runner in the ASA championships, or enter the event and qualify as a contender. Criteria to qualify as a contender is stipulated on the race entry form and runners will also have to fill out the contender application form in order to apply before February 16.
There will also be additional prize money of R15000, R10000 and R5000 for the first three provincial entrants as the provinces will be sending their selected teams to represent them.
The 10km prize money is open to all.
The first 500 50km entries and first 250 10km entries will receive a free premium Nike T-shirt.
All finishers will receive an event medal and Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be awarded to the overall male and female winners at the finish line.
The closing date for online entries is Sunday, February 18, however for elite contenders, all entries and applications will have to be done by Friday, February 16. Collection of race numbers as well as late entries will be done on the day before the race, Saturday, February 24, from the Marine Hotel between 09:00 and 20:00. Race number collection will be available from the Marine Hotel from 04.00 – 05.15 on race day for the 50km and from 05.15 – 06.30 for the 10km. No late entries will be taken on race day under any conditions.
Hosted by the Nedbank running club, the event will once again enjoy live TV coverage on race day from SuperSport with the 50km setting off at 05:30 and the 10km following at 06:45. More info and news on the event including sponsors and top athletes competing will be issued in the buildup to the event.
For more information athletes can contact Michael Mbambani on 079 149 6796, Irene van Eeden on 083 299 1775, EP Athletics office on 041 374 2818 or email epa@pe.co.za
