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The Capricorn District Municipality in partnership with Polokwane Athletics Club will host the inaugural Capricorn four-in-one marathon on 18 February 2017, at Polokwane Rugby Field.
This marathon, the first in the province, promises to be the biggest in Limpopo for residents and visitors. Known for its rich diversity in the northern region, Capricorn district is a liveable, safe and peaceful region and will now have a marathon that honours its identity, history and heritage. As it will be held in the heart of the City of Polokwane, the race will expose runners to the most vibrant, scenic and historically significant parts of the City.
The aim of this marathon is to enhance and promote social cohesion, promote nation-building and regional identity, and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
This historic race is targeting 2,000 athletes from across the country who want to prepare or qualify for the Oceans and Comrades marathons. Perfectly timed as a leg-tester ahead of the two ultimate races, this marathon is also an arduous challenge in its own right. With steep hills, high temperatures and a demanding route, runners will be put to the test in this marathon.
The race will start in cool conditions in the first 5-10km at 06h10 then runners push through to 21 and 42km distances for those who want to give it their all. There will be six water points between start and finish points for athletes to rehydrate. Our marshals will be visible all over the marathon precinct to help however they can.
Ladies and gentlemen, entries are now open and participants can get the registration forms from municipal offices or on the CDM website – cdm.org.za and register for the four race distances on offer – 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km – and no more entries would be processed after each distance has reached its capacity. Pre-entries were opened on 30 January and will close on 17 February while final registration will be done at the venue for the convenience of participants.
There will also be a help desk at the venue to address any concerns or queries.
We are delighted that we are currently receiving a large number of enquiries and requests and that means there is keen interest from participants. MEC for health Dr Phophi Ramathuba and MEC for sport, arts and culture Onicca Moloi have shown interest in taking part; and our race ambassadors – the previous comrades marathon winner Ludwick Mamabolo and Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya will also be present to give this race a major boost and inspire the athletes. This is why we are confident that this marathon will be a spectacular success.
We are cajoling the SABC to be our media partner and broadcast the race live. We also expect this marathon to yield great benefits for the local economy as over 2,000 participants and their families will descend on the Capital City of Polokwane.
The race will begin and end at Polokwane C Rugby Field and R50 000 worth of prizes and medals will be awarded to category winners. Emergency medical services will be on all routes to nurse those who might need attention and there will also be recovery area where finishers will receive post-event help such as drinks and various products.
Regardless of whether who crosses the finish line first, this race is an inspiration and we look forward to all athletes showing the spirit of determination to give it their all. We therefore invite members of the public from Capricorn and beyond to register early, and also spectators to come and cheer for our athletes.
We also invite you the members of the media to come and witness this marathon and be part of history as it unfolds.
We are all systems go and ready! We wish all athletes a healthy and incident-free race.
I thank you
Cllr John Mpe
Executive Mayor
