Cape Town Marathon
The country’s top road runners will light up the Mother City during the Cape Town Marathon on Sunday 25 September, as the race is the only Olympic qualifier for London 2012.
“We are delighted that the marathon has been selected by the IAAF as an Olympic qualifier as it raises the status of the event and attracts a quality field of runners. Local runners will get the chance to run with some of our top stars and spectators will also be able to watch them in action,” said James Evans, the president of Western Province Athletics (WPA).
The marathon is also a qualifier for the 2012 Comrades and Old Mutual Two Oceans marathons. In addition there will be a 10km race and a 4.2km mini marathon for athletes aged 14 to 19 who have taken part in specific qualifying races. A 5km fun run and a 5 x 4.2km team relay race will take place on the Saturday.
Runners can enter online or pick up an entry form from the WPA office or from most sports stores in and around Cape Town.
This year will see the marathon finish in the Green Point Park and all participants will get a chance to experience this is stunning new facility just outside Cape Town Stadium.
The scenic 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 flat route provides elite athletes with a chance to post a fast time, while the generous eight hour cut-off allows first timers and walkers the chance to complete the distance with no pressure.
The 10km also starts at 06h30 and has a two hour cut-off, so walkers will have ample time to earn their medal. The mini marathon will start at 07h45 and will be run on the last section of the marathon route.
In addition there will be a 5km fun run at the Green Point Park on Saturday 24 September starting at 16h30. A new event is a 5 x 4.2km relay race aimed at clubs, companies and schools. This will also take place in the park and start at 14h30 on the Saturday.
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