R1m for Mpumalanga Marathon winners

Dubbed as the One Million Race, the 42km Mpumalanga Marathon commits to be the province’s ultimate race, with R1m up for grabs for the male and female victors.

They will also receive gold-plated medals with the ribbons designed and signed by international icon, Dr Esther Mahlangu. A further R1m has been allocated for positions two to 10.

Set to take place on September 14, runners will endure the 42.2km, 21.1km and 10km races starting from the Dayizenza Plaza in Masoyi and leading to the Riverside Mall in Mbombela. The marathon is a qualifier for the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons in 2025.
At the official launch at Riverside Mall on Friday August 16, the director of the Mpumalanga Marathon, Caleb Lekhuleni, said this is one of Africa’s unique races that offers great prizes and will highlight Mpumalanga on the globe.

“We are excited for this marathon to hit the continent, because this R1m will change someone’s life. We hope an athlete residing in the province or in Africa, which will be a proud moment for everyone, receives it. The 42.2km route has been tried and tested by our ambassador, Tumelo Kgwete, who is one of Mpumalanga’s avid runners, and he confirmed it could be one of the easiest ways to win R1m. I can also confirm that the total R3m is already available to be paid to the winners,” he said.

“This is indeed one special marathon, because we aim to display Mpumalanga’s finest aspects such as having our medals portray the Big 5 and Dr Esther Mahlangu designing the medals’ ribbons, which is an absolute blessing and honour. The marathon would not be possible without the collaboration of sports clubs in the province, such as Run/Walk for Life Nelspruit as the hosts of the 21.1km and 10km races.”

We are anticipating that the tourism and overall economic sectors will be uplifted. To all the runners, it is time to keep up the pace and chase your dreams

Lekhuleni said runners from all over the world and their families are invited to participate in this highly anticipated marathon, which also promises to be a fun-filled festival. “Beside the marathon, exciting activities will take place at Riverside Mall such as outdoor workouts, live music, a fashion show, and a colour festival with kids’ entertainment areas and markets. We are anticipating that the tourism and overall economic sectors will be uplifted. To all the runners, it is time to keep up the pace and chase your dreams,” Lekhuleni said.

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The president of Athletics Mpumalanga (Ampu), Paul Bester, said all running clubs are ready to support this race. “This marathon has brought together everyone who wants to see the success of sports in the province. Ampu supported this vision since Caleb came forward with the idea a few years ago, and we will continue to do so so that the athletes’ lives are changed and hope is given to the younger ones,” he said.

Participants are urged to register for the race online only on www.mpmarathon.co.za. Entries close on Tuesday September 6. For enquiries, call 013 001 2860 or 078 208 5183 or send an email to info@mpmarathon.co.za. Alternatively, visit the Mpumalanga Marathon’s pop-up shops located in Dayizenza Plaza and Riverside Mall.