Online entries close on Thursday (Feb 23) for the 26th annual Sasol Marathon which takes place in Sasolburg on February 1 – which means potential entrants have limited time to secure a spot for the fast and flat qualifier.
The event, which doubles up as the Free State marathon championships, provides a great opportunity for those runners looking for a Comrades and Two Oceans qualifier with an opportunity to get a fast time on a relatively flat course.
For the elite racers, the two-lap route around the streets of Sasolburg will be more than just a fast dice for the prize money with the added incentive of a provincial title awaiting the top athletes.
However, the bulk of the field will have more of a long-term goal as they settle into a rhythm to run at a pace that will ensure they can submit their finishing time to the Two Oceans and Comrades organisers and so secure a spot in the famous ultra marathons.
Press Release 1: The quick and the qualifiers at Sasol Marathon
Press release 3 (preview): Titles (& qualifying times) up for grabs
The Two Oceans takes place on April 11 and the Comrades Marathon is on June 14 and entrants have to have run a standard 42,2km marathon in under five hours and 4:50 respectively to take part. The final cut-off date for Two Oceans qualifier updates is March 9 and Comrades hopefuls must have submitted their qualifying times before May 4.
Situated just a few kilometres south of the Vaal River and less than an hour’s drive from central Johannesburg, the Sasol Marathon provides a great opportunity for the multitude of Gauteng runners to tick off their qualifying requirements.
The event has been recommended by road-running experts as great opportunity to secure a qualifying time.
The popular event starts and finishes at the DP de Villiers Stadium in Sasolburg at 6am and runners have the choice of the two-lap 42,2km standard marathon distance, a one-lap 21,1km or a 10km, while there is also a 5km fun-run option.
Online entries are via Webtickets at http://bit.ly/SasolMar20Ent or at Pick n Pay stores. Online entries are due to close on Thursday, February 23. Race pack collection and late entries are at Sasolburg Athletic Club on Thursday, January 30, from 2pm to 6pm, the day before the event on Friday, January 31, from 10am to 6pm, and on the morning of the event on Saturday, February 1, from 4:30am to 6am
This event is timed by FinishTime.