Competitive road runners can breathe a sigh of relief with news that the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will go ahead this year.
The marathon, which will take place on Sunday October 17, is the only one in Africa with IAAF Gold Label Status.
Organisers announced plans that will be put in place to ensure the safety of the runners during the pandemic.
“Following extensive consultations and detailed review with the City of Cape Town, Athletics South Africa and National Government, we developed and presented an extensive Covid-19 Risk Mitigation Plan for the event, and received their full support to go ahead with our planning of a safe and enjoyable race,” said race director Renee Jordaan in a statement released by the organisers.
The plan includes several adjustments to this year’s event format.
Marathon entries will be limited to 12 000 runners only.
A staggered start will see runners setting off in seeded batched groups, allowing for ample social distancing, between 6.15am and 6.50am.
Seeding will be based on past race results, not limited to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
All runners and crew will have to undergo Covid-19 antigen testing in the 72 hours before the race. Testing will be compulsory regardless of vaccination status, and free of charge.
Runners will be tested at Cape Town Stadium before entering the expo space to collect their race numbers.
The 5km and 10km peace runs, however, got the chop in this year’s event but will instead go the virtual route and runners can register for free on the Cape Town Marathon website with those already registered getting their refunds.
The all-new 46km Cape Town Trail Marathon and 22km Trail Run will still go ahead on 16 October,” says Sanlam Cape Town Marathon general manager, Barry van Blerk.
Says Sanlam Cape Town Marathon crhairman, Francois Pienaar: “After a trying 18 months, we are grateful for the support from our major stakeholders that allows us to work towards staging Africa’s only World Athletics Gold Label marathon and the ASA Marathon Champs. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon attracts thousands of athletes from across SA, Africa and the globe, and has a significant economic impact on the city. Africa is our home. This is our race. And we can’t wait to welcome all our runners to Cape Town in October.”
Visit www.capetownmarathon.com for more information.
