On 2 February 2019, Sasol is sponsoring the Sasol Marathon for the 25th time in Sasolburg. The event, being a Comrades and Two Oceans qualifier, has already attracted more than 1 200 pre-entries.
Adding to the popularity of the marathon, the Free State 42.2km provincial championship will form part of this year’s Sasol Marathon. Spectators can look forward to accomplished national and even international athletes who will compete for the top three Free State Championship medals in the different 42.2km age categories.
Apart from the attractive flat route through Sasolburg that runs past the Sasol factory and the Sasolburg Highveld Garden, the Sasol Marathon will again have efficient water points at every 3 km along the route. These are manned by Sasol employees and local businesses to enhance athletes’ running experience.
Although pre-entries have closed, late entries can be done at 04:30 on the morning of the event at the DP de Villiers Stadium. Entry fees are R180 for the 42.2km; R140 for the 21.1km; R80 for the 10 km race and R30 for the 4.9km funrun. Grand masters entering any of the distances will get a 50% discount.
The 42.2km, 21.1km and 10km races will start at 06:00 in front of the DP de Villiers Stadium in Sasolburg, while the 4.9km funrun will start at 06:30. All athletes who finish the race for which they entered within the respective cut-off times, will receive a medal. Athletes will have 5 hours to complete the 42.2km; 3 hours for the 21.1km; 2 hours for the 10km and 1 hour to finish the funrun. The prize giving will take place at 10:00 inside the stadium.
According to Karin Fourie, Acting Vice President: Corporate Affairs at Sasol’s Sasolburg Operations, Sasol is proud to have been the sponsor of the popular Sasol Marathon over the past 25 years. Although Sasol still honoured its sponsorship obligations in 2013, the event did not take place due to safety precautions which were initiated due to unforeseen public unrest in January 2013. “We would like to thank every athlete who has participated over the years and in particular our implementation partners, the Sasolburg Athletics Club as well as Athletics Free State without whom the Sasol Marathon cannot be held,” she said.
In the interest of the safety of participating athletes and members of the public, road users are advised to take note that the 25th Sasol Marathon will be run in the streets of Sasolburg on 2 February 2019 and to adhere to the marshals and traffic officials from the Metsimaholo Local Municipality who will be on duty to direct athletes and minimise impact on motorists. More information on the marathon can be obtained from the Race Office at 078 501 7638 or by sending an email to sasolburgathletics@gmail.com.
