TRACN4 Elands Marathon Expo a first for road-running in Mpumalanga

The TRACN4 Elands Marathon, the fastest Comrades qualifier in the province, continues to grow from strength to strength with the addition of a pre-race expo.

To be held on the eve of the race on April 21 at Milly’s on the N4, from noon to 21:00, the TRACN4 Elands Marathon Expo will be the first pre-race exhibition held in Mpumalanga. Proudly sponsored by Caltex Mpumalanga North and Milly’s, the expo will be one of the highlights of this year’s marathon.

Race organisers are expecting hundreds of people to visit the exhibition, which will be the official race number collection point. It will also serve as a hub where runners and supporters can soak up the pre-race atmosphere, stock up on race day essentials, stand a chance of winning great prizes and giveaways by the exhibitors, and socialise with other athletes.

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To date, the confirmed exhibitors include:
• Tifosi Sports and On Running Shoes
• Simone Odendaal Biokinetics
• O Nutricia Collagen
• The Marmalade Club
• Freshstop
• Steers
• Mugg and Bean
• Coca-Cola and Powerade
• Takis Biltong
• local tourism organisations.

Nedbank LVCC Running Club’s Mandla Nxumalo said the club is ecstatic about the expo. “We are truly honoured to have Caltex and Milly’s host such an event. It adds an interesting dimension to our race, which is already considered the most scenic in the province. Add to this TRACN4’s logistics and marketing support, and we couldn’t ask for more!”

Runners can participate in the 42km, 21km or 10km races.

The 42km starts in Emgwenya (Waterval Boven) and ends at the Sappi Skills Training Centre in Ngodwana. The 21km event starts from the Malaga Hotel on the N4 and also finishes at the Sappi Skills Training Centre. The 10km starts and ends at the Sappi Skills Training Centre. All three races start at 06:30.

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With the doubling of the prize money for this year’s marathon, there’s no doubt it will again be a huge success.

“The male and female winners of this year’s marathon will each receive R12 000, while other top placements will also be handsomely rewarded,” explained Nedbank LVCC Running Club chairperson, Beth Bloch.

The marathon gained huge traction last year at its comeback event, and more than 750 entries have already been received for this year’s event.

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“This year’s finish area will also offer more activities than last year’s, including food and beverage sales by the Ngodwana Recreational Club, a special hydration station hosted by Tifosi Sport, lucky draws and the handing out of road-running merchandise at the finish line,” Bloch said.

Entries for the 2023 TRACN4 Elands Marathon, which will be held on April 22, continue to pour in. These close on April 3 and only online entries will be accepted. To enter, click here or visit https://elandsmarathon.co.za.

For more information about the 2023 TRACN4 Elands Marathon, follow @TRACN4 or @LVCCRUNNINGCLUB on Facebook, or visit www.tracn4.co.za. Email the organising committee at lvccrun@gmail.com or call 066 537 6955.