Reitz will come alive with the sound of pounding feet on Saturday 28 February, when runners line up for the annual VKB Bieliemielie Marathon at the Reitz Bowls Club.
The event, a popular fixture on the Free State road running calendar, serves as an official qualifier for both the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon, giving athletes the opportunity to secure their spots in two of South Africa’s most prestigious races.
Runners can choose to take on one of four distances: the 42,2km marathon or 21,1km half-marathon, both starting at 06:00; followed by the 10km and 5km races at 06:15.
All races will start and finish at the Reitz Bowls Club.
Attractive prize money is up for grabs across the various distances. In the marathon, the first male and female finishers will each receive R800, with second place earning R500 and third place R250 in both of these divisions. In the half-marathon, winners in the men’s and women’s divisions will each take home R500, while second place will receive R300 and third place R200. The 10km race offers R400 for first place; R300 for second place; and R150 for third place, for both the men and the women.
The 5km race provides an opportunity for social runners and newcomers to be part of the day’s excitement.
Adding to the appeal, participants stand a chance to win a vacation valued at R8 000, along with additional cash prizes.
The race will be presented in accordance with World Athletics (WA), Athletics South Africa (ASA) and Athletics Free State (AFS) rules, ensuring a professionally managed and competitive event.
Entries can be completed online at peaktiming.co.za, and full race rules are available at bieliemielie.co.za.
For general enquiries, runners can contact event organiser Drizette Putter on 082 474 3387.
