Sani Stagger's 10th Anniversary

On Saturday 24th November, the 10th Anniversary of the Sani Stagger road race will be run along the awesome Sani Pass, between the beautifully placed Sani Pass Hotel and the Lesotho Border post. In 2002 the local Sani Athletic Club took over the hosting and organising of the Stagger, previously a fun run, which now comprises a 21,1km Down race and a 42,2km marathon ,and elevated it to the very high standard and well sought after event on the Athletics SA and KZN Athletics annual race calendar.

Asics have been a major sponsor for the past 3 years and this year, due to the professionalism of the organisation and the popularity of the race with runners throughout the country, they have signed a further 3 year sponsorship contract with the Sani Athletic Club.

Entries for this year's Sani Stagger opened at 8:00am on 1st August and within 45 minutes the 21,1km down race was fully subscribed. Over 150 disappointed athletes are on the waitlist, hoping for cancellations. The marathon entries are almost full, despite the race only taking place in 3 months' time. Once again the race has attracted some well talented athletes including some international entrants. The 10th Anniversary will be a bumper year, with lots of wonderful lucky draw prizes including holiday accommodation from local hospitality establishments.

There will also be an entry into the half marathon and the ultra- marathon, with subsidised travel costs, to the 2013 Cape Town Two Oceans Marathons for 2 lucky winners. All registered entrants will receive a registration pack with sponsored items .This year they will not receive a tee shirt, but a 10th Anniversary momento garment.

This year the Kwa Sani Municipality, through the Sports desk has kindly sponsored the marquee and medic tents which will be at the very festive finish area on the Sani Pass Hotel's golf course. There will be plenty of good music, food and drinks to be enjoyed by entrants and spectators.Trish Crawley, Race Organiser of the Sani Athletic club says; "We are so proud to be hosting this wonderful event's 10th Anniversary. It has become so popular and a "must do" for athletes throughout the country.

Wherever we run in our Sani club colours, we are asked about the prestigious Stagger. It is estimated that the race brings in approximately R1, 7ml to the district over the Stagger weekend and many entrants come back to our district during the year with family and friends" Transporting athletes, providing refreshments for the entrants along the pass to the top at Lesotho Border post is a logistic challenge, and anyone who can assist this small local club are to please contact either Trish Crawley 0834470766; Trish Collins on 0828967524;Dave Barnett 0827858175.Registration is on Friday 23rd November at the Underberg Country Club from 9:00am till 9:00pm.

www.underbergdiary.co.za