CAPE TOWN - Organisers of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon say they are ready to host the country’s first major marathon for 2021 and on track with the final preparations in accordance with their Covid-19 Risk Mitigation Plan.
“We are excited to welcome over 9000 marathon runners and 1000 trail runners this coming weekend,” said Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Race Director Renee Jordaan.
“We also anticipate over 5000 local and international participants in our 5km, 10km and 21km Virtual Peace Runs, which runners can still enter for until (Friday).”
In the elite camp, Stephen Mokaka is aiming to make it two wins from two starts at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, while Gerda Steyn is looking for a marathon victory on her marathon debut on South African soil. But the two South Africans will face some stiff opposition come Sunday.
Mokoka can expect serious challenges from Ethiopia’s Belachew Amato (2:07.55 – the second fastest in the field behind Mokoka), and Kenya’s Daniel Mututi (runner up in the 2019 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon – 2:09.25) and Emmanuel Oliaulo Ngatuny (2:08.22).
Steyn is amongst impressive company, facing five athletes who have run faster than 2:29 and the competition is at a similar level to her. Fastest in the field is Kenya’s Lucy Karimi with her 2:24.24 (3rd Geneva Marathon, 2021). 2019 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon runner-up, Nurit Shimels is also back, boasting a best of 2:27.40.
Race Week will kick off with the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Registration and Expo at DHL Cape Town Stadium on Friday and Saturday, where participants will undergo their COVID rapid antigen tests, collect their race packs and indulge in last-minute pre-race shopping.
Trail snakes will line up at the start of the 46km and 22km Trail Runs on Saturday while runners from across the globe can participate in the Virtual Peace Runs on the same day.
Covid-19 safety amendments include a reduced marathon field, compulsory antigen tests prior to registration, and a staggered race start with small groups.
“Sadly, this year’s race is required to be a spectator-free event, but we can assure all athletes that our refreshment point crew will add all the energy and vibe they need to power through the course from start to finish,” Jordaan said.
For more information, visit www.capetownmarathon.com
Cape Times