Vaal River City Marathon set for return

Vaal River City Marathon set for return

After a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the fourth edition of the Vaal River City Marathon is set to return to Emfuleni on Sunday and promises to be a fun-filled event.

The race organizers confirmed that 1500 runners have entered the annual race, which also serves as qualifiers for the much-anticipated Comrades and Two Oceans marathons. 

"The 42km marathon is a qualifier for both the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon. It's a flat route, ideal for good times if you're a runner who doesn't mind working the entire way because that's usually what flat routes are known for," Media officer Sechaba Oliphant said.

"There is prize money across all the races and all age groups - open, veterans, masters and grandmasters. For the male and female opens, there is a cash prize of R10 000; the 21km open category for males and females has a cash prize of R5 000.

"In that regard, we hope to entice big names and people who want to push themselves, those who want to break records and those who want to make some cash for themselves in these very trying and hard times.

"We aim also to grow the race in a way that we can cater and service the elite athletes, who are the backbone of road running in South Africa, and we hope to make sure that when they do take part in these events the prize money reflects the effort they put into their training, and dedication they put in to being the top-notch athletes that they are."

The starter™s gun for the 42.2km is scheduled to go off at 6:00 am, followed by the 21.1km at 6:15 am and the 10km at 6:30 am, while the 5km fun run will start at 7:00 am. 

By Charles Baloyi