The scenic False Bay 50 km road race, hosted by Strand Athletics Club (SAC) with assistance of Hangklip Athletics Club, makes a highly anticipated return next week.
The iconic point-to-point race will take place from Kleinmond to Gordon’s Bay along the scenic coastal R44 past Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay, Rooi Els and Kogel Bay on Sunday 7 May. Runners will start at the Jukskei Club in Amandelboom Avenue, Kleinmond, at 06:30 and finish at Gordon’s Bay Primary School in Avondrus Street, Gordon’s Bay.
The success of last year’s event inspired a new partnership that was consolidated with the multinational automobile manufacturer, Kia which came on board as title sponsor of the 2023 instalment and ably aided in the logistical components of the race.
“We, the Strand Athletics Club, is proud and grateful that Kia is to be the title sponsor for the 2023 False Bay 50 km road race,” said event organiser Barry Muller. “Apart from their valued assistance with the running costs they will be supplying tough and versatile Kia K2700 workhorses for setting up and cleaning up before and after the race, as well as a fleet of luxury eight-seater Carnivals as sweeper vehicles.
“Participating Kia Branches will also be providing registration venues on the Saturday (6 May). Through this, we are building on the event’s prestige as being one of the top national races.”
Kia regional director Riaan Janse van Rensburg expressed their excitement at not only being the headline sponsor, but also at the partnership which enables them to promote the road race and enhance runner experience.
“Post-Covid there has been a vested interest in people adopting an active lifestyle. Our tagline is Movement that Inspires and with the race being used as a Comrades Marathon qualifier, we hope that the 2023 edition of the Kia False Bay Ultra Marathon will be memorable.”
According to Theuns Volschenk, Kia Somerset West Dealer Principal, the nationwide dealer network is more than just about selling cars, but is also geared up to drive community involvement by backing initiatives that unite the masses.
“We would like to take this opportunity to wish all participating runners well in their preparation for the most beautiful ultra marathon from Kleinmond to Gordon’s Bay,” he added.
The Kia False Bay 50 km Ultra Marathon serves as a once-off special 2023 Comrades Marathon qualifier race which is perfectly timed to aid preparation and improve runner seeding.
Keen participants can look forward to local food, beverage and sportswear vendors manning stalls at the finish venue village at Gordon’s Bay Primary School. An official prize-giving ceremony will take place at 12:30 when category winners will be rewarded, as well as lucky draw prizes by a variety of local businesses at 13:00.
There will be a partial, mountain-side road closure along the R44 from 06:30 to 13:30 between Rooi Els and Gordon’s Bay on the morning of the race to ensure the safety of the runners, hydration station volunteers and event marshals. The road will be open to motorists travelling from Rooi Els towards Gordon’s Bay. Motorists and other road users are asked to use the alternative N2 /Sir Lowry’s Pass route when travelling from the Helderberg to the Overberg during this time.
