RECORDS are expected to tumble at the NMB Athletics South Africa 21.1km Championships, which incorporate the CAA Southern Region Championships, on Saturday, July 27.
The 21.1km route, which is certified by the International Amateur Athletics Federation, and is credited as the fastest in SA, will start and finish at Pollock Beach in Summerstrand.
Credited as the richest half marathon in South Africa, the event boasts a generous racing purse and lucky draw prizes, including a brand new Datsun Go.
The Eastern Province Athletics president, Selby Thabethe, said the local committee was proud to have been hosting this prestigious event on the road running calendar since 2014.
With R700 000 for the elite field to compete for, Mike Mbambani, Eastern Province Athletics sponsorship liaison, said many of South Africa’s top athletes had already confirmed their participation.
“The NMB ASA 21.1km Championships allow locals the opportunity to race against the best in the country and therefore develop running in the region,” said Mbambani.
He said that the car would be the highlight of the lucky draw competition, “Which means you don’t have to win one of the races to win the car.”
The official prize-giving ceremony will take place at the Pollock Beach race village.
“Anyone who enters the 21.1km or 5km races will be eligible for the car prize – but you must be there to claim it.”
Race director, Basil Mclean, said, “The generous prize money was a strong incentive for top athletes, with the overall winners taking home R80 000.”
Mclean added that the event had also incentivised school involvement with sports equipment to the value of R30 000 for the top three schools that end with the most bulk entries.
Entries are available at www.entrytickets.net or local sports shops before Monday, July 22.
