Thousands of runners are set to take part in this weekend’s ever-popular annual Heroes Marathon from Mthatha to Qunu.
The iconic race became even more so after former President Nelson Mandela passed away in 2013.
The competition will be tough with some of South Africa’s top runners up against runners from countries such as Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya, Namibia, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The course for the main 42.2km run is extremely popular and scenic, showing a lot of what the Eastern Cape has to offer.
“This race is dedicated to the heroes and heroines of Eastern Cape, and is anchored around our former national president,” said president of Transkei Athletics, Lungisile Molwana.
“The route, which starts from the newly renovated uMthatha Airport to Qunu, marks the walk Mandela undertook daily from home to his primary school.
“The race route is part of the National Liberation Heritage Route which includes Eastern Cape.”
Molwana also said that the race honoured other late heroes such as Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Albertina Sisulu, Chris Hani, Govan Mbeki, Nomaka Epainette Mbeki, and late athletes Zithulele Sinqe, Thomson Magawana, Rogers Mbantsha and other unsung heroes, making it a truly historic race.
The run is expected to bring over 2000 athletes to take part in the three events on the day, the main 42.2km race, the quicker 10km run and then the 5km fun run.
A prize purse of R50000 for the first male and first female in the main race is up for grabs, while the 10km run will see the winning male and female pick up R8000 each.
“The Heroes Marathon has a lot to offer and is growing in numbers and organisation,” said president of Athletics South Africa, Aleck Skhosana.
“We thank president Molwana and the MEC Pemmy Majodina, who allocated this race R1.2-million for working together in putting the province on the athletics global map.”
The marathon is scheduled to start at 6am, the 10km at 7am and 5km at 8am.
There will be road closures which will affect the R61 Ncobo Road in Mthatha which will be closed to other users from 5.30am until 6.15am to allow the marathon to start.
At the CTM traffic light where the Nelson Mandela Drive is on the N2, the route will then be shared with the general traffic but will be under the control of safety officers, which all runners are compelled to obey until the finishing line in Qunu.
The 10km route will be run entirely on the N2 starting at the Viedgesville Bridge at 7am and will also share the road with general traffic to Qunu.
The 5km fun run will begin from the Mandela House and will finish, like the two other races, at the museum in Qunu.
Entry forms are still available at Total Sports, Studio 88 (Mthatha and East London), Mthatha Health Club and all Sport and Recreation District offices.
Registration is R120 for the 42.2km, R70 for the 10km and R20 for adults and R10 for scholars in the 5km.
No entries will be accepted on race day and all foreign athletes must comply with IAAF rule 142.2 and 4.2 which states they will be expected to produce a letter from their respective federations permitting them to participate in this race.
Road Warriors to rise and shine for Heroes
The iconic race became even more so after former President Nelson Mandela passed away in 2013.
The competition will be tough with some of South Africa’s top runners up against runners from countries such as Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya, Namibia, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The course for the main 42.2km run is extremely popular and scenic, showing a lot of what the Eastern Cape has to offer.
“This race is dedicated to the heroes and heroines of Eastern Cape, and is anchored around our former national president,” said president of Transkei Athletics, Lungisile Molwana.
“The route, which starts from the newly renovated uMthatha Airport to Qunu, marks the walk Mandela undertook daily from home to his primary school.
“The race route is part of the National Liberation Heritage Route which includes Eastern Cape.”
Molwana also said that the race honoured other late heroes such as Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Albertina Sisulu, Chris Hani, Govan Mbeki, Nomaka Epainette Mbeki, and late athletes Zithulele Sinqe, Thomson Magawana, Rogers Mbantsha and other unsung heroes, making it a truly historic race.
The run is expected to bring over 2000 athletes to take part in the three events on the day, the main 42.2km race, the quicker 10km run and then the 5km fun run.
A prize purse of R50000 for the first male and first female in the main race is up for grabs, while the 10km run will see the winning male and female pick up R8000 each.
“The Heroes Marathon has a lot to offer and is growing in numbers and organisation,” said president of Athletics South Africa, Aleck Skhosana.
“We thank president Molwana and the MEC Pemmy Majodina, who allocated this race R1.2-million for working together in putting the province on the athletics global map.”
The marathon is scheduled to start at 6am, the 10km at 7am and 5km at 8am.
There will be road closures which will affect the R61 Ncobo Road in Mthatha which will be closed to other users from 5.30am until 6.15am to allow the marathon to start.
At the CTM traffic light where the Nelson Mandela Drive is on the N2, the route will then be shared with the general traffic but will be under the control of safety officers, which all runners are compelled to obey until the finishing line in Qunu.
The 10km route will be run entirely on the N2 starting at the Viedgesville Bridge at 7am and will also share the road with general traffic to Qunu.
The 5km fun run will begin from the Mandela House and will finish, like the two other races, at the museum in Qunu.
Entry forms are still available at Total Sports, Studio 88 (Mthatha and East London), Mthatha Health Club and all Sport and Recreation District offices.
Registration is R120 for the 42.2km, R70 for the 10km and R20 for adults and R10 for scholars in the 5km.
No entries will be accepted on race day and all foreign athletes must comply with IAAF rule 142.2 and 4.2 which states they will be expected to produce a letter from their respective federations permitting them to participate in this race.
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