Total prize money of R478 000 on offer at the Nedbank Cape Town City marathon is one of the reasons why the crop of the marathon athletes in South Africa as well as athletes from the rest of the Africa region are gearing up for this prestigious race.And, with time incentives worth another R250 000 expected to be announced by Athletics South Africa shortly, there is plenty at stake.
But this is not the only reason why marathon athletes across the continent are preparing to put their efforts into this race. The circular route is designed in such a way for athletes to run world class times especially if the "Cape Doctor" doesn't blow .
Run in the heart of the mother city with views of the best natural and historic sites, the marathon starts in Adderley Street and the course is flat, easy and pleasant as runners head out of town eastwards through Salt River, to Mowbray before returning to the Foreshore and a unique run right through the V&A Waterfront.
The 10km event is blisteringly quick and flat
The course continues along the Mouille Point and Sea Point promenade with views of Robben Island, before a return finish in the city centre on the Grand Parade. A generous eight-hour cut-off applies.
The 10km event in the best of the best which includes the V&A Waterfront, Mouille Point and the City centre, is blisteringly quick and flat with a two-hour cut-off.
Top South African male athletes entered include Nedbank Running Club athletes Colin Khoza, Mzwanele Maphekula, Pule Hlabahlaba, Phillip Molefe and two times Nedbank SA marathon champion George Mofokeng. Kenyan Paul Manwa and seasonal Zimbabwe runner Mike Fokoroni will also line up for the event.
South Africa's Coolboy Ngamole, back from his efforts in Berlin at the recent World Championships, is also showing interest in the race, but it will probably be a bridge too soon after his 2h16min effort there, to expect him to be finish among the top runners.
The ladies' line up will see Tshifhiwa Mundalamo, who was the first SA athlete home this year in the Nedbank SA Marathon championships in Durban, trying to better her time of 2:47.05. She will be joined by club mates Ndofhiwa Mandiwana and Paulina Njeya. Zimbabwean-born Sharon Tavenga is in great shape and she will be the favourite to beat on the day. - Sapa
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