Edenvale’s marathon set to return

With June around the corner, runners of all ages and fitness types can look forward to the return of the Edenvale Marathon hosted by Rand Road Warriors.

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Set to be held on June 19, the annual race held in partnership with StaminoGro, will take runners and community members through the suburbs of Edenvale following the route of the 2020 event.

As runners take to Edenvale’s streets the community is once again asked to be patient as runners lace up their shoes for a good cause.

Although the event is usually held in March, this year things changed when the Comrades Marathon date was scheduled for August 28 opening up the running calendar.

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Taking advantage of this, Rand Road Warriors introduced a new race to the athletics calendar the Rand Road Warriors’ StaminoGro Edenvale Blitz 15K.

Chairperson of Rand Road Warriors Sharon Holton said the 15km race allowed the club to test the new Covid-19 race protocols before hosting its larger annual event.

The March race was described as a success by Holton and race organiser Charmain Lemkus.

Holton said the Blitz raised R5000 for both the Edenvale Care Centre Hospice and Edenvale Ferals who were selected as the running club’s two main charities for the year.

Like previous years, runners can look forward to a variety of distances which include a 5km fun run, a 21.1km half marathon and a 42.2km full marathon.

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The start time for the marathon and half marathon is 06:00 for 06:30 while the start time for the fun run is 07:00. The cut off time is 12:30.

“Depending on funds raised from the June event, the running club may donate funds to other organisations as well with which we have been affiliated over the years,” said Holton.

Club member Jackie Allen said with preparations going well it is awesome to see athletes getting excited about the event.

“Rand Road Warriors is providing athletes with a platform to help Edenvale. This is your chance to get out and do something to help others,” said Holton.

She said by hosting the club’s annual event Rand Road Warriors hopes to reignite Edenvale’s community spirit.
At the end of the race, a market with various stalls and vendors will be held.

“The day will be more than a race, it will bring the community, entrepreneurs and athletes together,” said Holton.

Holton said due to Covid-19 regulations, the marathon and half marathon are limited to a combined total of 2 000 entries at the moment.

The 5km fun run is limited to 500 entrants.

Holton said currently athletes will not need to do PCR tests before the event nor will they need to provide their Covid-19 vaccinations certificates.

However, if this changes as per government regulations, it will be communicated to the athletes.

Athletes running in this year’s marathon and half marathon will be timed mat to mat, however, contenders will be timed from gun to mat.

Like the Blitz 15k, the marathon and half marathon will be timed by Peak Timing.

Holton said all contenders, runners who are capable of times that could place them on the podium, need to register by June 1.

She highlighted that all athletes will need to run with their CGA, club or a temporary licence on the day of the.

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Temporary licences are available from Rand Road Warriors at www.randroadwarriors.co.za
Entries for this year’s event will close on June 13.

Holton said race entries can be collected from Rand Road Warriors headquarters at Edenvale Bowling Club on June 16 or 17 between 10:00 and 18:00 and on June 19 between 10:00 and 16:00.

She said no race entries may be collected or registrations may be done on June 19.

For more information, visit www.randroadwarriors.co.za or contact race organiser Charmain Lemkus at race@randroadwarriors.co.za or 079 190 5295.

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