One of the country’s big three ultra-distance races, the Old Mutual Om Die Dam Marathon has been awarded a prestigious award.
It was given the Gold Label by the sport’s international governing body.
The Gold Label status was awarded by the International Association of Ultra runners (IAU), an affiliate of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)
Covering a distance of 50km around the Hartbeespoort Dam, the race is the second ultra-marathon in South Africa to be awarded IAU Gold Label status.
The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon was the first to achieve it in 2010.
The labelling system was launched in 2008 to ensure race courses adhere to strict standards.
Other key measurements include the calibre of the field (measured by how many athletes finish a distance within a prescribed time), the quality of the timekeeping and the technical and organisational standards.
Races are measured over three years before being considered for gold, silver or bronze status.
Om Die Dam race treasurer Jaco Venter said they are very pleased to have been awarded gold status.
“It recognises the years of effort that have also secured this ultra-marathon’s consistent ranking as a well-organised and well-presented event in a number of surveys” he said.
The 2016 Old Mutual Om die Dam Ultra celebrated its 25th birthday last year and is also a Comrades Marathon qualifying race.
It takes place on 12 March and entries close at midnight tonight.
This year the race will include five athletes who meet the international standard for the 50km distance which is 3:03m for men and 3:35m for women.
As a Gold Label event, Om Die Dam is an official selection race for the world championship over the 50km distance.
The status also means that the race is promoted by the IAU to the international ultra-marathon community.
Besides the ultra-marathon, there are three shorter races on offer: a 21km half-marathon, a 10km race and a 5km fun run.
More than 10 000 runners in total took part in the four events last year and organisers are anticipating an even bigger field next month.
“This is one of the finest ultra-marathons in the country. It’s only an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, or around 40 minutes from Pretoria and Hartbeespoort offers ample accommodation at local resorts as well as fine camping facilities,” said Venter.
For more information please go to www.omdiedamultra.co.za
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