Athletes prepare for Amanzimtoti’s historic half marathon

THE 40th edition of the annual Dick King Half Marathon/Walk will start and finish at the Amanzimtoti Main Beach, Beach Road 6am on Easter Sunday, 16 April.

This year’s event is perfectly timed over a long weekend, giving participants the opportunity to indulge in both exercise and recreation while on holiday, and then having time out to recuperate before getting back to the grind.

The Dick King Marathon and 15km walk is organised by the Amanzimtoti Athletics Club. The historic half marathon attracts a number of runners and walkers to the scenic KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.

“This is a great opportunity for those who could not go to the Two Oceans in Cape Town. It is an awesome run for them to enjoy, not to mention the balmy weather and superb scenery along the way,” said Sapphire Coast Tourism’s Monique Botha.

Metro Police will approve all safety and security plans which will include an ambulance and rescue bus on race day, as well as emergency respondents. Refreshment tables will be placed every 3km along the route.

The race is separated into a 21km run and a 15km walk that takes competitors from Beach Road through to Illovo and back.

The race categories include open, 35-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+ and junior male or female. The winning runners will both receive marathon trophies and the top three competitors in the male and female open category and the top two competitors in all senior categories will receive a cash prize. The first place junior runner will also be eligible for a cash prize. Every participant will receive a T-shirt and a race medal on completion of the race.

Entries for the race are open online at www.eventtiming.co.za at a cost of R150 for the 21km run and R120 for the 15km walk. Pre-entry for the race closes on at midnight on 13 April.

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