SA runners prepare to conquer the 2024 TRACN4 Elands Marathon

Runners from across the country have entered and are eager and excited to take part in the fastest and most scenic Comrades qualifier in Mpumalanga.

The race is run mostly on the Maputo Corridor. Backed by Trans African Concessions (TRAC), the event will take place on March 2, with the main event, the 42.2km, starting from Laerskool Oosterlijn in eMgwenya (formerly Waterval Boven).

Hosted by Nedbank LVCC Running Club, the race is also a Totalsports Two Oceans 2024 qualifier. Known for its fast yet challenging declines, the TRACN4 Elands Marathon is a favourite among athletes wanting to improve their qualification times for the nation’s two most popular ultramarathons.

The event will also comprise a 21.1km and 10km race, ensuring that it is accessible to runners of various fitness levels. The half-marathon will start at the Malaga Hotel on the N4, while the 10km begins and ends at the Sappi Skills Training Centre. The 21.1km also ends at the Sappi grounds.

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One of the highlights of the TRACN4 Elands Marathon, since its reinstatement in 2022, is the waterpoints. The race organisers and waterpoint hosts are renowned for going out of their way to ensure the runners have all they need to stay hydrated and strong, and this year will be no different. Most of last year’s waterpoint hosts will be back at their traditional spots. An extra three water points will be added to the last 17km of the full marathon to curb the gruelling heat sometimes experienced in the Lowveld during March.

“We are very excited to be able to have additional waterpoints at this year’s Elands Marathon, as they add value to the race,” said the race director, Mandla Nxumalo. “We strongly believe waterpoints make or break a marathon, and that is why since bringing back this event, we have dedicate so much to these points.”

Another highlight, and one that adds to the excitement of the marathon, is the Race Expo planned to be held at Astron Energy Milly’s on Friday March 1. Not only will be the expo act as a pickup point for race packs, it will also host some of the industry greats, race apparel, products and so much more. In addition, Comrades legend Bruce Fordyce, who has run the race a few times in the past, will be at the expo.

As the event forms part of TRAC’s corporate social investment initiatives, the concessionaire uses it to promote areas that host the race and boost the communities’ socio-economic well-being. Not only does the race bring thousands of people to the Lowveld for race weekend, which results in accommodation and catering facilities being booked, but TRAC also offers various temporary jobs leading up to the race and on race day.

Registrations for the 2024 TRACN4 Elands Marathon are now closed. To obtain additional race information, visit www.elandsmarathon.co.za, email entries@elandsmarathon.co.za or call 078 208 5183.

Here are some important notes on the race:

Buses for the 42.2 km race:

It is advisable to park at the finish area at the Sappi Skills Training Centre (SSTC) at Ngodwana and catch a bus that takes you to the start of the race at eMgwenya.

The first bus will depart the SSTC at 03:45 and the last at 04:45. The bus will take you to the start of the 42.2 km race, and you will run the race and finish back at the SSTC where your vehicle will be securely parked.

If you are unable to park at the SSTC, you will still able to park at the start of the race at eMgwenya. From here you will run to the finish area at the SSTC in Ngodwana. Return buses will be available to take you to your vehicle afterwards.

Please note that return buses will only depart when the race is completed and the road is open to traffic at 12:30.

Buses for the 21.1 km race

It is advisable to park at the finish area at the Sappi Skills Training Centre (SSTC) at Ngodwana and catch a bus that takes you to the start of the race at the Malaga Hotel on the N4.

The first bus will depart the SSTC at 03:45 and the last one at 04:45.

The bus will take you to the start of the 21.1 km race. You will run the race and complete at the SSTC, where your vehicle will be securely parked.

If you are unable to park at the SSTC, you will still able to park at the start of the 21.1km at the Malaga Hotel. From here you will run to the finish area at the SSTC in Ngodwana. Return buses will be available to take you to your vehicle after the race. Please note that return buses at the end of the race will only depart when the race is completed and the road is open to traffic at 12:00.

Buses from the start to the 21km and 10km starts

If you park at Oosterlijn School and will be running the 21km or 10km races, there will be a bus that to transport you to the start of your races. It departs at 04:45.

Buses for the 10km race

There will be no buses for the 10km race. The race starts and finishes at the Sappi Skills Training Centre (SSTC). You are required to be parked at the SSTC before the start of the race.

Please be on time. There will be no extra buses and the road will be closed so you will not be able to use your vehicle to get to the start if you are late.