MARATHON GAINING IMPETUS IN 30-DAY COUNTDOWN
Routes confirmed, charities lined up and planning underway for running for more than yourself on International Day of Peace.
Cape Town, 20 August 2014 – A festival of running kicks off on Friday, 19 September at the V&A Waterfront, as one of Africa’s first iconic city marathons gains momentum in the countdown to what could become one of the continent’s first marathons accredited by the International Association of Athletics Federations(IAAF).
The main attraction, which takes place on the Sunday, is a classic, Olympic 42,2km marathon and a 10km Peace Run. Other, shorter events take place on the Saturday including a 4,2km Peace Fun Run, a 22km and 11km Peace Trail run, as well as a 5 x 4,2km Peace Corporate, School and University Relay.
“With the full support of the City, our routes have been confirmed, taking into account aspects such as road closures, positioning of refreshment stations and supporter zone accessibility, but also remaining true to our vision of becoming a world-class African sports event that models itself on scenic beauty and the heritage of the City,” says event ambassador Elana Meyer, South Africa’s Olympic medallist and repeat record holder in long-distance running.
Routes
The two main events are the 42,2km marathon and the 10km Peace Run.
The marathon starts in Somerset Road at 7h30 on Sunday 21 September, ending with a cut-off time of 15h30 at Green Point A1 Track. Starting off in the city, the route meanders out towards Woodstock, Observatory, Rondebosch and Newlands, taking in scenic attractions like the pristine Liesbeek River, Rondebosch Common, Newlands Cricket Grounds, Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town before turning back towards the city.
Under the majestic shadow of Table Mountain, the route moves through District Six, re-entering the heart of the CBD, passing iconic landmarks including the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, Houses of Parliament, Company Gardens, St Georges Cathedral, Mandela Rhodes building, Huguenot Chambers and the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk.
The marathon finishes outside the Cape Town Stadium, after following a course that moves through Sea Point, passing landmarks such as the Sea Point Swimming Pools and the Green Point Lighthouse.