By Kopano Dibakwane
Preparations are currently underway for the exciting 42.2km TRACN4 Elands Marathon which is scheduled to be held on 2 March (from 11am to 8pm), at Milly’s on the N4 Route.
The marathon, hailed as the most picturesque Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons qualifier in Mpumalanga,is reportedly presented by Nedbank LVCC Running club and backed by Trans African Concessions(TRAC). It will take place amidst the the breathtaking scenery of Elands Valley.
According to TRAC Communications Manager, Solange Soares, the road race is set to draw-in a bigger field than 2023, including some of the best road runners in South Africa.
Soares confirmed that the concessionaire of the Maputo Corridor, where the race is being staged, will continue to support the marathon, following the highly rated 2022 and 2023 races.
“ Engaging in road running as a sport or hobby can have significant positive impact on one’s overall health and well-being, which TRAC recognises as being of the utmost importance. Notably, this sport is among the few in the world that is readily accessible to all, aligning with our corporate social investment(CSI) goals.
“ Just like other CSI initiatives, the marathon has far-reaching benefits, such as boosting tourism in the Lowveld region, ultimately resulting in economic gains for the area,” said Soares.
In addition, Soares said that the 2024 TRACN4 Elands Marathon will also include two other road races(a 21.1km half marathon and a 10km race), expected to attract the participation of seasoned road runners and athletes.
Beth Bloch of the Nedbank LVCC Running Club, said the Club is ecstatic to be hosting the popular race again with the backing by TRAC. She expressed her confidence that this year’s marathon will be the best one yet.
“ We pride ourselves on this event and are counting down the days to 2 March. We are already hard at work behind the scenes to ensure that it will exceed the expectations of all participants and their supporters,” said Bloch.
Furthermore, Bloch urged participants living outside the Lowveld to book their race weekend accommodation as soon as possible due to the fast rate at which accommodation spots along the N4 Route are filling up. She emphasised this factor as an indication that local businesses and communities will reap financial benefits through the event.
According to Soares, the race will begin at Laerskool Oosterlijn in Emgwenya(Watervale Boven), and will see runners traverse down the escarpment and through the Waterval Boven tunnel, before ultimately finishing at the Sappi Skills Training Centres in Ngodwana.
Soares also said that the TRACN4 Elands Marathon Expo, sponsored by Astron Energy, will return for the 2024 race, held on 1 March at Milly’s on the N4 Route, from 11am to 8pm.
“ This expo will not only serve as the pre-race exhibition, where participating brands get to engage directly with athletes, it will also serve as the official race number collection point. The alternative race number collection venue is LVCC in Mbombela,” said Soares.
According to Soares, registrations for the marathon are open until 18 February and only online entries will be accepted. Soares added that those who are interested to register or to obtain additional information about the race, can visit www.elandsmarathon.co.za.
