The Free State OR Tambo marathon is a first of its kind to be hosted at the heart of South Africa in the historic city of Mangaung/Bloemfontein on 16 April 2016. Named after one of South Africa’s architects of freedom and democracy, Oliver Reginald ManyaneTambo, it is expected that this marathon will draw a large number of athletes locally and internationally to compete for lucrative prizes that are up for grabs.
The inaugural Free State OR Tambo marathon is said to be the second largest marathon in terms of prizes awarded to winners and is set to be a premium event on the Free State and South Africa’s annual sporting calendar.
The objective of the Free State OR Tambo marathon is to enhance and promote social cohesion, promote nation building and national identity, and encourage healthy life style.
With registrations extended until 14 April 2016, more than 2000 international and national athletes are expected to participate in this marathon. These include acclaimed runners such as Charles Mwai (Kenya), Fusi Nhlapo (Qwaqwa), Pule Hlabahlaba (Bloemfontein), Piet Mpheteng (Welkom), Anna Moeketsi (Thaba Nchu) who was the winner of MACUFE 2014 Road race, and Nkhabutlane from Lesotho among others.
Athletes from European countries have indicated their interest to participate in the marathon and are currently busy with their VISA applications.
For athletes to be eligible to register for this marathon, they should belong to an affiliated club. In an event that athletes do not belong to any affiliated club but wish to register, temporary licenses can be purchased at R30 each. This amount should be deposited into the bank account as reflected on the entry form and a proof of payment indicating ID number and Temporary License on the deposit reference be sent to SACR.
Registration Fees are as follows:
42.2 KM = R100
21.1 KM = R50
10 KM = R30
Race numbers may be collected from the 14th till the 16th April at the Free State Sport Science Institute (4 President Brand Street, Oranjesig, Bloemfontein). The prize money for the Free State OR Tambo 42.2 KM marathon ranges from R350 000 to R10 000. Both first position male and female winners will each bag the R350 000 prize, while the rest of the top ten winners take home prizes ranging from R100 000 to R10 000.
For the 21.1 KM race, the first position winner will bag the R50 000 prize, while the rest of the top ten winners take home prizes ranging from R30 000 to R 700 and the 10 KM first position winner bags the R10 000 prize money and other top five winners take home prizes ranging from R 8 000 to R1 000.
It is also important to note that there are other prizes in store for winners. These include the High Performance Training and Nutrition package at the FSSSI, promotional material hampers, lucky draw prizes, and T-shirts. All athletes will each receive a “goodie bag”.
Participating athletes will receive water sachets and soft drinks at every 3 Kilometers. At refreshment points, they will be served healthy snacks such as oranges, bananas and Bar One. Companies and organisations are still invited to take up water points hence this will also help with their own corporate marketing. Emergency services will also be on site on the day of the marathon.
These include, Ambulances at start, on route and stationed at the finish point, Doctors, Physiotherapists (including students), Masseuse, Nurses, Traffic officials, Marshalls at every corner and at every intersection, Security, and JOC has also been activated. It is also important that all winners will be tested for doping through SAIDS.
Registration for the participation at the inaugural Free State OR Tambo Marathon is open until 14 April 2016. Registration forms are available online at www.fssacr.gov.za.
Communities in and around the City of Mangaung are cordially informed that road closures will take place as follows:
- South Street closed on Thursday, 14 April at 10h00 until Saturday, 16 April 2016 at 9h00
- President Brand Street between Victoria and St. Georges Street closed on Friday, 15 April at 10h00 until Saturday, 16 April 2016 at 9h00
Saturday, 16 April 2016:
- Total shutdown of West Burger Street between Zastron Street and Alexandra Street will be closed from 5h30 to 7h30
- Aliwal Street, between Zastron and Alexandra Street will be closed from 5h30 to 7h30
- All other streets in the marathon route, one lane will be demarcated with cones for the runners from 5h30 to 11h00
- Maphisa Street, from Dlamini Street to Moshoeshoe Street will be total shutdown from 6h00 to 12h00
- Moshoeshoe Street between Motseki Street and George Lubbe Street will close from 6h00 to 10h00
- Around the stadium: Tsekeletsa Street and Thakalekoala Street will be closed from 5h30 to 13h00.
“The Free State O.R. Tambo Marathon was conceptualised to celebrate the spirit of Comrade Oliver Reginald Manyane Tambo in appreciation and recognition of the sacrifice and contribution made by this gallant in our country’s struggle for freedom.
Comrade Tambo had a vision of a free, fair and equal society, and we celebrate him through this marathon.” said MEC Mathabo Leeto.
