Don’t miss your spot for this year’s Goss and Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon

Participating in one of province’s most scenic marathons is a must for any runner and the Goss and Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon certainly tops that list. Taking place on the stunning KwaZulu-Natal South Coast on Sunday, 16 October, the 42km marathon and 21km half-marathon will see thousands of fitness enthusiasts starting off, and finishing, at Hutchison Park in Amanzimtoti.

Unfortunately, recent floods in Amanzimtoti washed away the railway line in several places, so there will be no free train ride to the start for participants this year.

“The repairs on the track will take a few months and we do apologise to all the athletes for this minor inconvenience which is out of our control,” said Amanzimtoti Athletics Club (AAC) chairman, Desmond van der Merwe. “Despite this setback, we are still anticipating a fantastic 28th edition of this phenomenal race and encourage any interested runners to book their place early to avoid disappointment.”

Sponsored by Goss and Balfe for the past 11 years, the marathon serves as a qualifier for both the Comrades Marathon as well as the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon. All participants who complete the Goss and Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon will receive medals with the first 1 000 marathon runners receiving a long-sleeve shirt and the first 1 000 half-marathon runners and walkers receiving a short-sleeve shirt. Prizes will also be awarded for the first position in each age category with the Open category receiving prizes for first, second and third place.

Sapphire Coast Tourism chairman, Monique Botha, said they were, once again, excited to be involved in this constantly growing event.

“The race started with about 650 runners and, last year, we saw 2 200 people competing in the 21km and 42km races,” said Botha. “In addition to the runners, the race attracts a number of spectators and supporters who are given the chance to experience the magnificent Sapphire Coast during one of the best times of the year. We wish the organisers and competitors the best of luck with the 2016 event.”

Starting at Hutchison Park in Amanzimtoti at 6am, runners competing in the 42km marathon will head towards Umkomaas where they will then turn around, ending again at Hutchison Park. The half-marathon runners will cover the same route also starting at 6am, however, they will head back at Karridene. All the runners will experience some breathtaking scenery as they run along the immaculate Indian Ocean.

The safety of every runner is assured with security at the park and there will be refreshments stands providing water and coke to competitors every 3km.

Race entries can be submitted online at www.eventtiming.co.za/gossbalfe and manual entries can be deposited in boxes based at Durban Runner sports’ shop with proof of payment attached to the form. The cost is R190 for the 42km, R150 for the 21km and R30 for a temporary licence. The closing date for entry at the AAC clubhouse is Saturday, 8 October from 9am to midday.

Collection of race packs can be made on Saturday, 15 October from 10am to 4pm at Hutchison Park, Amanzimtoti and on Sunday, 16 October from 3.30am to 5.45am at Amanzimtoti Civic Centre.

For more information, visit www.totiac.co.za

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