Pirates Road Running says it’s time for the toughest 21km
GREENSIDE – Hit the road early this year with Joburg's toughest 21km run.
After 41 years of a successful Pirates 21km, runners can expect to run the same route that was used in 1978, come 18 February.
‘Joburg’s toughest 21km’ has not changed much over the years, except that ticket prices have increased from R2 to R130.
The half marathon is as challenging as they come, with the route taking runners from Pirates Sports Club in Greenside, up and over Northcliff Hill and back.
The elevation gain over the route is a whopping 415m.
Pirates Road Running committee member Struan Brown said the time of year and difficulty of the run made it a good litmus test for runners to evaluate their fitness ahead of upcoming marathons.
“The elite, or die-hard runners love the race, and it has always been a big drawcard for them,” he said.
Be that as it may, the junior section (only runners 16 years and older are allowed to enter) is always well supported, and runners in different age categories take each other on, all the way up to grandmasters level and even older (60 plus).
“It will be great fun for families. There will be a supervised children’s area with jumping castles. There will also be family entertainment, a food court and live music.”
READ: Joburg’s toughest race is a level playing field
Brown said the toughest sections of the run were between the 9km and 10km marks, and between the 12km and 14km marks, where the gradient going up Northcliff Hill was so steep, almost all runners have to walk it.
Last year, 2 300 runners braved the Pirates 21km but this year more are expected judging by the initial sales.
Tickets are R130 for both pre-entries and entries on the day. Online entries can be done at www.entrytickets.net/pirates21 until 15 February.
Grandmasters pay R60 while blind runners can run for free. Athletics South Africa temporary licences are R30.
More information about the run, prize money and entries is available at www.piratesclub.co.za
Details: Pirates Road Running racedirector@piratesroadrunning.co.za; 011 568 0922.
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