Bella’s Athletics Club, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), the Ehlanzeni District Municipality and the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality have partnered for the second instalment of the annual 4-in-1 Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Marathon.
It is set to hit the World Heritage Site, the Makhonjwa Mountains, on September 30, and will consist of a 42km, a 21km, a 10km and a fun run.
The races will start from the Josefsdal Border Post and finish at Coronation Park in Barberton, while the fun run, suitable for families, will start and finish at Coronation Park.
The countdown to the biggest intercountry marathon has started, and saw its launch hosted at the MTPA’s offices Wednesday September 6.
The 42km race will serve as a qualifier for the Comrades and Two Oceans ultramarathons.
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The MTPA’s executive manager for tourism, Ntwanano Mntungwa, said the agency is anticipating a boost in the tourism sector of the province.
“We are elated that we are coming back stronger to host one of the biggest races in Mpumalanga. Without a doubt, we are anticipating tourism and economic growth from the build-up to the main event. For this year, we are joined by the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality as a partner. We saw it fit that they joined us, because the Makhonjwa Mountains fall into their jurisdiction,” Mntungwa said.
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Bella’s Athletics Club’s Patrick Ntimane said preparations are under way, especially with repairing the roads to be used.
“We are definitely making this marathon better than the first one. We have great prizes for winners and more programmes that will run throughout the day to encourage physical health and tourism in Mpumalanga. Registration to participate is still open online,” he said.
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