Top athletes have confirmed their participation for the SA Half Marathon which takes place from Pollock Beach, Port Elizabeth, on Saturday.
Last year’s champions, Edwin Koech and Sheila Chesang, will be back to defend their titles.
Both runners set course records, with Koech clocking a time of 1:1:16, and Chesang 1:10:58.
With prize money of R500 000, the Championships are set to attract top runners from around the country and as far afield such as Kenya, Ethiopia and others.
“Fifteen of the top 20 male finishers from 2016 and 15 of the top 20 women finishers have already been entered by their provinces,” confirmed race director, Mike Mbambani.
“The exciting male line-up includes 2016 runner up Stephen Mokoka (Gauteng North) as well as 2015 winner, Lucky Mohale (Central Gauteng) and 2014 winner Elroy Gelant (Central North West).
“Top women athletes include 2015 runner up Lebogang Phalula (Central Gauteng) and 2014 winner, Mapaseka Makhanya (Central Gauteng).”
Athletes will be hoping for less wind compared to last year to ensure record breaking times once more on the fast 21.1km course.
“Unfortunately, Irvette van Zyl had to pull out due to an injury during a race in Durban,” said Wynand Breytenbach, team manager for Gauteng North. “However, the team is looking forward to competing well in Port Elizabeth.
Tracey McKay, team manager for Central Gauteng said: ”We are fielding a very strong male and female team this year. Gladwin Mzazi is running well and Derocious Makhublao, ran an excellent race in Gaborone recently.
“Our female runners Lebogang Phalula, Cornelia Joubert and Christine Calmer, are looking forward to a fast race on a superb course.
Martin Ngwenya, running co-ordinator for Mr Price Sport, confirmed that he will be bringing four elite athletes from Lesotho.
The male and female winners will pocket R50 000 each and the top EPA finishers will receive a R8 000 bonus.
The 21.km route, credited as the fastest in South Africa, will start and end at Pollock Beach, Summerstrand.
The event director, Mike Mbambani, has welcomed the race’s new partner, Eastern Cape Motor Group, who have sponsored a brand-new Datsun Go vehicle prize, valued at R106 900, as a superb incentive for participating runners. Its the grand lucky draw prize and is eligible to all participants in both the 5km fun run and in the half marathon.
The official prize-giving ceremony will take place at Pollock Beach race village, Summerstrand, from 11h30 on Saturday. “Anyone who enters the 21.1km or 5km races will be eligible for the car prize – but you must be there to claim it,” said Mbambani. "Five finalists will be drawn for a nail-biting finale to see who wins the car. Adidas will be sponsoring a R2000 gift voucher for the four consolation prize winners."
Runners competing in the 21.1km race will need to complete two fast laps, along the spectator-friendly beachfront. Starting from Marine Drive, at Pollock Beach, they will head towards Kings Beach then turn and run towards the Humewood Golf Course near Pine Lodge and head back for the second loop before the finish back on the Pollock beach grass area.
A full rolling road closure from 05.30 will ensure a safe run and minimum inconvenience for the public. The 21.1km road race starts at 08.00 and the 5km fun run starts at 07.30. Vehicles will gain access to the start from 8th avenue Summerstrand as well as from 2nd avenue into the Bird Rock parking area on the sea side until 07.00 on race day.
Parking is available on the sea side of Marine Drive, in the Something Good parking lot and on the grass area opposite 9th Avenue. All vehicles parked on the sea side of Marine Drive will not be able to exit before 11.30, 21.1km race cut-off time.
Registration and late entries are now in effect and will take place at the Summerstrand Surf Lifesaving Club from 14.00 to 20.00 on Friday, 23 June and from 05.30 on the morning of race day on Saturday 24 June.
