Naziziphiwo Buso
More than 1500 athletes are expected to descend to Gqeberha to partake in the World Athletics Elite labelled Nelson Mandela Bay half marathon race next month.
The ninth insert of the race is set to start off on 3 June.
Bay Sports and Recreation boss Bassie Kamana says the City was fast becoming a sports-tourist destination.
He was speaking at the official media launch at City Hall in Gqeberha on Tuesday where he said the economic spin-offs from the events would be felt by all residents.
Kamana said the hotels and BnBs will be full of national and international guests which is in line with the Bay’s vision of making the place an international sporting destination of choice.
He says this race will also give local athletes a chance to rub shoulders with international runners.
“This is important for social cohesion,” Kamana said.
Meanwhile, Athletics South Africa (ASA) Chairperson Enoch Skosana said the race would be used to identify talent, as preparations for the Olympics.
The ASA boss let slip that a selection of 20 athletes will be made from top achievers at the race, to be groomed to be the crème de la crème of road running.
He says ASA will be supporting the athletes by ensuring they compete internationally between now and the qualifiers.
“Our plan for road running at ASA level is two-fold. This year we are identifying young athletes in order to groom them for 2028.”
“Currently, we are supporting our two athletes for the 2024 leg.”
Meanwhile, Bay road running athlete, Melikhaya Frans says the Nelson Mandela Bay half marathon title will remain in Gqeberha.
Frans clinched second place in last year’s insert of the race.
While he came in 19th at the Absa Run Your City race in Cape Town last week, he says that has not dampened his mood for the half marathon.
He says he is very prepared for the race and is mentally ready for the race as half marathons are his favourite race.
