All roads are leading to the 2023 Letsgo Potch Marathon which will see runners take on 5, 10, 21.1 and 42km challenges on Saturday, 28 October.
The third edition of the Letsgo Potch Marathon presented by OppiKampus Student Accommodation, will not only provide runners with an opportunity of testing themselves, but will also showcase what Potchefstroom has to offer.
This community-based race is also an official qualifier for Comrades Marathon, Two Oceans Marathon, and ACNW 10 KM & 42.2 KM (Athletics Central North West)
The 42, 21.1 and 10km races will definitely be competitive and will see some excellent running from the likes of Elroy Gelant and Jerry Motsau, amongst other big names. The 42km race will be a two-lap race of the 21km route.
The 5km fun run will conversely satisfy those who prefer a shorter jog and an experience that the whole family can enjoy.
The starting and finishing point is at Cachet Park. The 21.1 and 42km races start at 06:00, with the 10km run starting at 07:00 and the 5km at 07:30.
See the routes here:
According to Letsgo Potch race organiser, Ruben Gouws, the routes for the various distances were planned out to keep the race inside the boundaries of Potch.
“We are really excited about the the Letsgo Potch Marathon and keeping it as local as possible. Currently we have 244 entries across the various distances. We would like to get a thousand runners for the race,” he added.
This well organised race will also include 12 waterpoints on the route, ensuring that runners will keep well hydrated.
“We have also set up a hydration point on the halfway mark of the marathon, where runners can get their personalised drinks and gel fuels, snacks for the second lap of the race.”
Gouws also encourages the community to come and support the runners on the route and be part of the atmosphere on the day.
“Locals can set up their camping chairs on the route in their front yard and cheer on the runners as they pass by. The route includes a large portion of the Bult, Dam and Kannonierspark areas,” he mentioned.
Letsgo Potch will also provide entertainment after the race with a local artist and various food and drink stalls to enjoy and to refuel after the race.
*Pre entries close on Sunday 22 October. Pre-entries can be completed online here:
Late entries can be completed at Cachet Park from 16:00 – 20:00 on Friday, 27 October.
Important information:
• Borcherd and Hoffmanstreets will be closed from 04:00-09:00
• The race will take place from 06:00 and will finish at 11:30
• Motorists are urged to avoid the Meyer street bridge until 11:30 and use alternative routes.
• JB Marks Traffic Department and Mooirivier Beskerming will be present on the bridge.
Entry fees:
5km – R70
10km – R 150
21.1km – R 220
42km – R 280
Temporary Licences – R 50
