All systems go for the 2014 edition of the Mandela Day marathon

With exactly three days before the world once again  is treated to yet another spectacular edition of the Nelson Mandela Day marathon.

The Mandela Day marathon is turning the District of uMgungundlovu into an ultimate marathon town, with two iconic marathons namely the comrades marathon and now the fast growing Nelson Mandela Day Marathon hosted in our district.

The growth of the Mandela Day marathon, in such a short space of time has surpassed all expectations. Considering that this race began only three years ago with just about 1000 local competitors, it is incredible to see how far it has come.

This year’s marathon was oversubscribed; we had more people wanting to register than what we could accommodate. As we speak, we are sitting with almost 10 000 participants who will pound the streets on Sunday in honour of our greatest icon Tata Madiba.

Entries:

Overall Statistics indicate that the 2014 target of 10 000 participants were achieved and the event organisers are glad to report that the 2014 event was oversubscribed with a total of 10 063 participants competing in the various events.

This year’s growth rate is a tremendous 74%.

Prize Money has been increased from R 494 600 in 2013 to a total of R 995 600 in 2014. Prize money will be paid out to the winners of all categories in the various races over the two-day period.

Registration venues

Registration for the first time will be done at two venues for the convenience of the runners. The first registration venue being the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban where 25% of the runners will register and the balance of 75% will register at the Liberty Midlands Mall in Pietermaritzburg.

2014 Mandela Day Marathon activities include three new events launched this year with an official  International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) half marathon on Sunday 31 August 2014 and the Mountain Biking and Trail running, inaugural events taking place on Saturday 30 August 2014

International interest in this event is growing year on year with 23 countries represented at this year’s event compared to 13 countries in 2013.

Countries represented as follows

Athlete recovery area

2014 will introduce an Athlete recovery area where all finishers will receive a post event meal, energy drinks and various products sponsored to sustain the athletes. We will also supply a full physiotherapy service and medical facilities to treat all athletes in need of physiotherapy or medical attention.

Parking arrangements

All runners are encouraged to use a designated driver to drop them at the various drop-and-go areas at the start of each race. Drivers must then proceed to the finish venue for parking. All roads to the finish venue will be closed at 6h15 and spectators will be forced to use the alternative route via the Curries Post Road to the parking area.

Shuttle bus service

Parking will be provided at Harry Gwala Stadium, Pietermaritzburg and the Howick Sports Grounds. Shuttle services will be available to commute runners from the Harry Gwala stadium parking area to all official start venues. The shuttle service will be available from 4h30 and the last bus will leave at 5h45

Transport back to the parking areas will commence at 10h00 until all runners have been returned to their vehicles.

Security

There will be tight security and all the security agencies are ready to deal with any potential threat to the race.

The marathon will have a television viewership of more than 8 million as it will be broadcast live on SABC 2.

Many of the runners are racing for charities, combining their passions for health and fitness and for giving back. The proceeds of the Mandela Day Marathon will be given to charity as part of Madiba’s teachings that we must take care of those less fortunate among us.

Regardless of whether who crosses the finish line first at the Capture Site, this race is an inspiration and we look forward to all athletes showing the spirit and determination that define Madiba’s legacy.

This marathon is waging a struggle against forgetting.  We invite the members of the public to come and cheer our athletes. Anyone can run this Marathon because everyone – courtesy of Madiba – is free to do so. This is the spirit of this sporting event and our motto as organisers.

We are all systems go and ready to preserve the legacy and immortalise Tata Madiba.

For more information contact:
Lennox Mabaso
Cell: 082 884 2403

Media are advised to collect their accreditations timeously.

Contact:
Mbeko Nzimande
Cell: 074 312 9933

Thando Biyela
Cell: 079 812 6277