Sasolburg – Organisers announced announced on Thursday that the Sasol Sasolburg Marathon will take place this year on Saturday, 23 March 2024.
As a Comrades qualifier this flat, fast race attracts around 3 000 national and international athletes every year.
According to Thuli Mbuli, Head of Community Affairs at Sasol’s Sasolburg and Ekandustria Operations, Sasol is proud to have been the sponsor of the popular Sasol Sasolburg Marathon for 29 years.
“It is important to Sasol to promote healthy lifestyles through events such as the Sasol Marathon where professional, amateur, and community athletes participate in this jubilant event,” Mbuli said.
The route starts at the DP de Villiers Stadium in Sasolburg and takes athletes past the Sasol factory, Highveld Garden, and tree-rich residential areas while enthusiastic volunteers will provide ample refreshments every 3km along the way.
These waterpoints, manned by Sasol employees and local businesses, have become a highlight of the Sasol Sasolburg Marathon over the years.
The 42,2km and 21,1km races will start at 06:00 in front of the DP de Villiers Stadium in Sasolburg, while the 10km race will begin at 06:15. The 5km fun run will kick off at 06:30.
The prize giving will take place at 10:00 inside the stadium.
The open male and female winners of the 42,2km will receive R2 500; the 21,1km first prizes are R1 500 and the 10km, R500. Prizes are awarded in various categories, from Open to 70+.
Only online pre-entries are available for the 42,2; the 21,1 and the 10km races via www.entryninja.com, closing on 21 March 2024.
The cost of the races is R280 for the 42,2km marathon, R180 for the 21,1km half marathon, and R100 for the 10km race.
Runners should note that temporary licences must be bought online with entries at R70.
The first 500 athletes to enter online will receive Sasol Sasolburg 2024 Marathon T-shirts.
Those interested in competing in the 5km fun run can register online, but late entries will also be accepted before the race on the day.
The fun run entry fee is R50.
Runners should be at least 20 years old to participate in the marathon, 16 years for the half marathon, and 14 years for the 10km race.
Participants need to bring a valid ID, driver’s licence, passport, or birth certificate for runners 18 years and younger, as well as their banking details to the event.
All athletes who finish the race for which they entered within the respective cut-off times, will receive a medal.
Athletes will have 6 hours to complete the 42,2km; 3 hours for the 21,1km; 2 hours for the 10km and 1 hour to finish the 5km race.
“In the interest of the safety of participating athletes and members of the public, road users are advised that the Sasol Marathon will be run through the streets of Sasolburg,” said Mbuli.
“Road users must please adhere to the marshals and traffic officials from the Metsimaholo Local Municipality who will be on duty to direct athletes and minimise the impact on motorists.
“Sasol would like to thank the community of Sasolburg, participating athletes and its implementation partners, the Sasolburg Athletics Club as well as Athletics Free State without whom the Sasol Marathon cannot be held.”
More information on the marathon can be obtained from the race organiser at 073 339 6809 or from www.entryninja.com.
