CREDITED as the fastest and richest half marathon in South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Bay Athletics South Africa 21.1km Championships 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 is proud to host this prestige road running event.
“With the support of our title sponsors, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and our mother body Athletics South Africa, we aim to continue to make this event more attractive to runners and the public,” said Thabethe.
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 allows locals the opportunity to race against the best in the country and therefore develops running in the region,” said Mbambani.
Datsun Go awaits new owner
He welcomed the race’s partner, Eastern Cape Motor Group, who have once again sponsored a brand-new Datsun Go vehicle prize, as a superb lucky draw incentive open to all participants in both the half marathon and 5km fun run.
“The car is the highlight of our lucky draw competition, which means you don’t have to win one of the races to win it!” said Mbambani.
He said the car draw would bring the prizegiving to an exciting conclusion after the 21.1km cut off at 10:30 on Saturday, July 27th. The official prize-giving ceremony will take place at Pollock Beach race village, Summerstrand.
“Anyone who enters the 21.1km or 5km races will be eligible for the car prize – but you must be there to claim it.”
Five finalists will be drawn from a nail-biting finale to see who wins the car. Adidas will be sponsoring a R2 000 gift voucher for the four consolation prize winners.
“The generous prize money is a strong incentive for top athletes, with the overall winners taking home R80 000,” said race director, Basil Mclean.
The NMB ASA 21.1km Championship event had also incentivised school involvement with sports equipment to the value of R30 000 for the top three schools with the most bulk entries.
All finishers of both 21.1km and 5km will receive medals.
Race routes
Starting from Marine Drive, at Pollock Beach, 21.1km runners will head towards Kings Beach then turn and run through NMU, down Admiralty Road and head back to Kings Beach for the second loop before the finish back at Pollock beach.
The 21.1km road race starts at 07:00 and the 5km fun run starts at 09:00.
Enter online at www.entrytickets.net or at local sports shops before July 22. Registration and manual entries will take place at the Summerstrand Surf Lifesaving Club, Pollock Beach, from 12:00 to 21:00 on Friday, 26 July only.
Race numbers can be collected from 05:30 on Saturday morning of the race but no late entries will be accepted for the 21.1km.
Late entries for 5km will be accepted on Saturday morning until 09:00.
- For more information, contact Mike Mbambani on 079 149 6796 or Basil Mclean on 082 467 1949.
