R100 000 up for grabs at 10th edition of the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon
To celebrate the tenth edition of the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon, organisers of South Africa's premiere half marathon have increased the prize money, making it the richest 21km race in the land. From humble beginnings in 2014, the event which also incorporates the national 21km championships, has become one of the top half marathon events on the African continent giving elite athletes in particular the opportunity to run fast on home soil. For example, the course record of 1:00:29 set by Thabang Mosiako last year is the twelfth fastest ever run by a South African man. Race organiser Mike Mbambani says this is precisely why they started the race in the first place.
"We are very excited to see that a dream which started small with Alan Taylor, has grown over the years since its launch in 2014, to establish itself amongst the best road races in ASA fixtures. The focus was to create a platform for athletes to enjoy healthy competition on home soil without needing to leave the city to compete. " he explained.
With a world class lineup of elite athletes expected to lineup at Pollock Beach in the Gqeberha beachside suburb of Summerstrand, organisers have decided to put more money on the line. The increase in the overall prize purse is reflected in the a bigger winner's cheque. In 2023, Mosiako walked away with R80 000 for his efforts. The winner on the 1st of June 2024 will pocket 25% more.
"This is the biggest half marathon in the country and it is the richest in the country in terms of prize money, the total prize pot is R559,000, with the added bonus of ASA Championship prize money. The prize money has been boosted to celebrate the 10th edition, with R100 000 up for grabs for crossing the line first. " said race director Mike Mbambani.
"The Legacy Project now hosts 7 events annually reaching a number of areas in the metropole, and taking the sport of athletics to the people, namely, Motherwell, Gelvandale, Colchester, Uitenhage/Despatch and Summerstrand. From 2021 five Track & Field and Cross Country events have been incorporated in the Legacy Project to reach an even broader audience of athletes from across the metro"
Athletics South Africa (ASA) President, James Moloi, is also looking forward to this two-in-one race. "A number of athletes and coaches will be seeking glory of the ASA Half-Marathon Championships and the 10th Nelson Mandela Bay Half-Marathon, which has earned its stripes over its journey. We can therefore expect another breath-taking encounter, especially for spectators."
This race is not limited to elite or athletes selected to represent their provinces. Social runners are also encouraged to participate and enter online at www.webtickets.co.za or at Brian Bands Sports and Sportsman Warehouse. The closing date for all online and manual entries is at 17h00, on Monday, 27 May. The first 600 athletes to enter online will receive a special Nike T-shirt, and all finishers will receive a medal.