Late entries are still available for the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon this Sunday

Runners looking to compete in one of the country’s most scenic races still have a chance to enter the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon in Amanzimtoti on Sunday, 29 October. With a new route along the Amanzimtoti coastline, this early qualifier for the Comrades Marathon has already attracted a number of top competitors.

“There is still time for keen runners to enter this year’s Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon which is set to be another fantastic qualifier,” commented Lynette Botha of Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, organiser of the event. “We’d also like to thank sponsors Goss & Balfe and Galleria Mall, for making this event possible.”

Event organisers are also alerting residents from Amanzimtoti, Warner Beach, Athlone Park & and Prospecton to some traffic delays and noise on Sunday, however, it will be limited to the morning only. Botha said that while there isn’t full road closure, Metro Police is on hand to direct traffic, with marshals ensuring the safety of runners. Drivers are asked to be vigilant if driving in the area on the day. Amanzimtoti Athletic Club, with two sweeper trucks and clean-up crews, will ensure that all litter is removed from the route so as not to impact the environment.

Late Entry Details

Registration: Amanzimtoti Athletics Club

Address: 1 Riverside Road

Friday, 27 October from 4pm to 8pm

Saturday, 28 October from 10am to 6pm

Contact: Lynette Botha on 082 498 6032 or toti.ac.treasurer@gmail.com 

Race Options

To view the race routes, visit:

10km: https://za.mapometer.com/running/route_5470471.htmlStarts: 6amCut-off times: 2h 30 minsLate entry fee: R220

21.1km: https://za.mapometer.com/running/route_5471990.htmlStarts: 6amCut-off times: 3h 30minsLate entry fee: R250

42.2km: https://za.mapometer.com/running/route_5470780.htmlStarts: 5.30amCut-off times: 6 hoursLate entry fee: R380

Tourism Offerings

Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism says the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon is a major drawcard for athletes, as well as visitors looking to experience the many tourism offerings found on the Sapphire Coast. These include:

Amanzimtoti Main Beach which includes fun slides at Splash Water World, a variety of restaurants, takeaways, and shops with local traders selling beautiful crafts and curios along the promenade.Charter boats for a day of deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, shark cage diving and/or snorkelling at Aliwal Shoal, a world-renowned dive site.Horse rides on the beach with experienced guides catering for a range of abilities.Illovo River is another top spot for water sports, fishimpisini Nature Reserve, Ilanda Wilds Nature Reserve, or even the Sapphire Coast Birding Route.Lifestyle experiences exploring facilities such as Coastal Lounge in Umgababa and Maqaqa Exclusive Lifestyle in Adams (R603 on route Umbumbulu).

The organisers would also like to extend thanks to Spot Prize sponsors Designer Kitchens and AfriSam, as well as Water Table sponsors: Day One Health, Hypersure, Amanzimtoti AC - Toti Juniors, Warner Beach Preparatory School, Bundu Networx, Amanzimtoti Scouts, Community Chest, Pam Golding, Chas Everitt, Natal Park Run, AfriSam, Lions Amanzimtoti, Remax Amanzimtoti, and Team Seven. Thanks were also extended to Hyundai Amanzimtoti for assisting with the Leading vehicles, Mike Signs and Zee’s Printing for all signage and printing, and Sapphire Coast Tourism for marketing.