Cape Town Marathon limits field to 7000

Cape Town Marathon Finish

The organisers of the Cape Town Marathon 2011, which takes place on Sunday 25 September, have called on marathon and 10km runners to enter as soon as possible to secure their spot as the events are limited to just 7 000 participants.

The number of entrants for these races, taking place on Sunday September 25, has been restricted this year to control overcrowding in the Green Point Urban Park which is the new finish for the races.

“When we decided to move the finish from the Parade to the new Green Point Urban Park, we knew it would mean having to restrict the size of the field. But the park is a terrific new Cape Town attraction, for both locals and visitors, and is the perfect spot to finish our race,” said James Evans, the president of Western Province Athletics.

Runners can get an entry form at most sports stores in and around Cape Town or visit www.wpa.org.za for online entries. Entries close on Monday September 12.

The Cape Town Marathon has an extended 8-hour cut off time to give novice runners the opportunity to complete their first 42.2km race. The race day will also feature a 10km race.

On Saturday 24 September, Heritage Day, a 5 x 4.2km relay race aimed at clubs, companies and schools, will take place in the park and start at 14h30. On the Saturday there will also be a 5km fun run at the Green Point Urban Park starting at 16h30.

The marathon is expected to attract the country’s top road runners, as the race is the only South African Olympic qualifier for London 2012. It also serves as a qualifier for the 2012 Comrades and Old Mutual Two Oceans marathons.

The scenic 42.2km route starts in Adderley Street at 06h30 and takes runners out to Rondebosch before looping back to the Green Point Park via Salt River, the Foreshore and the Sea Point promenade – showcasing Table Mountain, the ocean and many of the major attractions Cape Town has to offer. The 10km also starts at 06h30 and has a two hour cut-off, so walkers will have ample time to earn their medal.

For information contact WPA on 021-699 0615. For daily news about Cape Town Marathon follow @CTmarathon on Twitter or Like Cape Town Marathon on Facebook.