The stage is set for yet another epic Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon which will see runners enjoying a new route on Sunday, 29 October 2023, in this early qualifier for the Comrades Marathon. Organised by the Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, the new route will give runners and walkers a chance to experience the incredible Amanzimtoti coastline.
“We are so excited to welcome back athletes and visitors to the Sapphire Coast for our annual marathon. We managed to attract 2 700 competitors in 2019 and we’re hoping to increase the number to 3 000 this year!” commented Lynette Botha of Amanzimtoti Athletics Club.
“The devastating 2022 floods and subsequent damage to our roads have prompted a route change, with runners now starting and finishing from Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, Hutchison Park, Amanzimtoti, but we can assure all competitors of another inspired run with race day support and great views along the way. In addition to the new route, this is the first time there will be pacer buses for all three distances. We’d like to extend our thanks to sponsors, Galleria Mall, for making this event possible.”
The race has already attracted some well-known competitors, among them the winner of the 21.1km route in the 2019 edition, Janie Grundling of Phantane Athletics Club, who will tackle the 42.2km this year.
There are three distance options available on the day – the 10km walk/run, the 21.1km walk/run, and the 42.2km run which is also an early Comrades and Two Oceans qualifier. All finishers will receive medals on the day with early bird entries receiving a shirt of their size or selection by 5 October 2023. Online entries close on 22 October 2023. Late entries are available at registration but not on race day.
“We’re delighted to welcome back the annual Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon which is not only an event highlight on the athletics schedule, but a calendar highlight for local tourism as well,” commented Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism. “This is a great opportunity to explore the beautiful Sapphire Coast and experience all the tourism offerings and unique coastal experience found here.”
Some of the area’s visitor highlights 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, fishing, birding, and picnics.
- Crocworld Conservation Centre with a variety of animals and demonstrations.
- Umkomaas Golf Club or Amanzimtoti Country Club for a round on the 18-hole course or a drink or meal at the club.
- Birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and walks at Umbogavango Nature Reserve in Southgate Industrial Park (bookings essential), Amanzimtoti Bird Park, Empisini 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).
For more information contact 083 733 6468 or [email protected].
Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon Details
To view the race routes, visit:
10km: https://za.mapometer.com/running/route_5470471.html
Starts: 6am
Cut-off: 2.30pm
Entry fee: R190
Late entry fee: R22
21.1km: https://za.mapometer.com/running/route_5471990.html
Starts: 6am
Cut-off: 3pm
Entry fee: R220
Late entry fee: R250
42.2km: https://za.mapometer.com/running/route_5470780.html
Starts: 5.30am
Cut-off: 6pm
Entry fee: R350
Late entry fee: R380
Registration: Amanzimtoti Athletics Club
Address: 1 Riverside Road
Friday, 27 October from 4pm to 8pm
Saturday, 28 October from 10am to 6pm
Sunday, 29 October at 4.30am
The organisers would like to extend thanks to all the sponsors, without whom, the event could not go ahead. This includes the main event sponsors, Goss & Balfe and Galleria Mall, with lead cars sponsored by Hyundai Amanzimtoti. This year’s table sponsors are Hypersure, Warner Beach Preparatory School, Toti Juniors from Athletic Club, Scouts Club, Bundu Networx, Community Chest, Pam Golding, Chas Everitt, Team Seven, Park Run Natal, AfriSam, Amanzimtoti Lions, Frogfoot, Remax Toti. The goody bags were supplied by Nandos, with spot prizes sponsored by AfriSam, and Designer Kitchens.
For more information, contact Lynette Botha on 082 498 6032 or email [email protected].