Run Zone Athletics Club is only two years old but it will host the first marathon in Joburg’s northern suburbs this side of the millenium.
The Joburg North City Marathon was launched at Randpark Golf Club on 22 October.
The event will feature 42.2km, 21.1km and 10km road races as well as a 5km fun run at Marks Park Sports Club, Emmarentia, on 22 March next year. There will also be 6km and 12km trail runs the day before.
“Rumour has it running is increasing in popularity,” said the Northcliff club’s vice chairperson and general manager, Candis Lubbe.
“We encourage runners to find your true north at the Joburg North City Marathon,”
She explained that the event’s logo is pictured like a compass, before the club’s owner and chairperson Graham Block got into the nitty-gritty of the marathon.
“It is a fast route, not too flat but the rest periods are at the right times,” he said.
The specific route will be revealed later but it forms a triangle and has 30km on its own while the rest of its route joins those of the other distances.
Two charities, Rainbows and Smiles, and Little Eden will benefit from the run.
Rainbows and Smiles’ Bonni Suckling explained that 2 000 children die from cancer every year, and the charity provides emotional, social and financial support to the families and caregivers of children fighting cancer.
Little Eden’s Sipho Marima said his non-profit organisation provides life-long care to 300 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
There will be cash prizes for category winners at the run, and different medals for the runners of the different distances.
Goodie bags will be given to the first 1 500 entrants.
Entries are currently capped at 5 000, although Block and Lubbe said this number may be increased and ‘no one will be turned away on the day’.
Online entries open on 1 November and close on 6 March. In-store entries will be available and a list of these stores and more information about the run can be seen at www.joburgnorthcitymarathon.co.za
Skechers Performance and Energizer are the sponsors for the run.
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