Brace yourself for the 2015 Maritzburg City Marathon, which is taking place at 5am on Sunday 22nd February 2015.
This race has become the most popular marathon and half marathon combination in KwaZulu-Natal. The race not only has generously achievable cut off times (three and a half hours for 21,1 km and 6 hours for the marathon) but caters equally for runners and walkers.
(Note: registered wheelchair athletes are welcome in the half marathon but unfortunately for safety reasons may no longer be included in the marathon or 10km.)
The basket of races also includes a 10km race beginning at 9am. This is open to runners and walkers and has a generous 2 hour limit.
To provide something different, two trail runs have been added. Andrew Booth of KZN Trail has partnered with the Maritzburg City Marathon to design a ‘figure 8’ trail course along the banks of the Umsinduzi River. The trail will offer a 5 km option as well as a 15 km distance.
Traditionally, more Comrades entrants have used this race as their qualifier than any other race.
In a continued effort to improve the event, the organisers have the The Witness as a Media Partner and Clover handling logistics. They have also engaged the assistance of other role players to assist in improving sponsorships and activities.
With their assistance, the event is growing to include an Expo, Pasta Dinner and Fun Runs along with the usual fare and upgraded entertainment.
By kind support of Bidvest and Pink Drive, the organisers are again providing a Kidzone for both Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February. Here, your family will be safely entertained whilst you run or enjoy the Expo.
The Natal Carbineers are also commemorating the 160th Anniversary of the formation of the Regiment and this event forms part of the celebrations.
By popular demand, the organisers are maintaining the unique double faced medal, which will be given to all official finishers who complete any of the distances on offer inside the generous cut off times, as well as beautiful T-shirts to all marathon and half marathon entrants. Early bird 10km entrants will also receive T-shirts. Additional T-shirts will be available for sale after the event.
This Two Oceans and Comrades qualifier (5 hours) is a pre-entry event and no marathon or half marathon entries will be accepted after the closing dates. Postal entries must be sent early enough to arrive at the office by the closing date.
Race enquiries can be made at www.pmb42.co.za, by e-mail to rd@pmb42.co.za or by phoning the race office on 076 164 9554 (which will be open 9am to noon, Monday to Friday, from 2nd February to 20th February 2015).
Keep an eye on the website and in the media for more information.