Gerda Steyn: Nedbank Running Club
The course set out for the Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers 50km on Sunday 23 May has officially been recognized and received an International measurement certificate from World Athletics.
Runners who participated in the recent Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon which incorporated the South African Championships would have gotten a taste of what is to come, with the course using the same out and back format along the same roads on the City beachfront.
Starting on Marine Drive, a host of National and International athletes will complete the 10km loop five times in their quest to break the existing 50km World records.
Although no spectators are permitted, the race will feature live TV coverage via SABC2 and also be livestreamed on four social media platforms: Nedbank Running club Facebook page, EPA Facebook page, Nedbank YouTube and EPA YouTube channels.
‘We're excited about bringing running events to life in 2021 and see the hard work and effort of our runners pay off in this thrilling race,” said Nick Bester, National Manager of the Nedbank Running Club. “We are looking forward to runners breaking barriers and world records.”
The top male contenders for next weekend’s record attempt include Ketema Negasa from Ethiopia, Shadrack Kiptoo Kimaiyo of Kenya and South Africa’s Phillimon Mathiba.
The leading women athletes include the South African duo of Gerda Steyn and Irvette van Zyl and Ethiopia’s Bashanke Bilo.
Eastern Province Athletes Xoliswa Ndlumbini, Kelly van Vliet and Ntombi Mfunzi will all be using the event to try and set personal best times.
