Records are expected to tumble on Saturday next week at the Nelson Mandela Bay SA Half Marathon Championships , which incorporate the CAA Southern Region Championships.
Credited as the fastest and richest half marathon in South Africa, the event, which boasts a total racing purse and lucky draw prizes worth R850,000, including a Datsun Go car, has attracted a star-studded field.
Athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia and Lesotho will vie for top honours with SA’s best.
The course record is held by 2016 men’s and women’s winners Edwin Keoch (1:01:16) and Shiela Chesang (1:10:58).
An exciting finish is expected, with defending champion Stephen Mokoka of Athletics Gauteng North, who sprinted home in 1:01:21 in 2017, ready to retain his title.
“I am keen to have fun in Port Elizabeth as I love running on the beachfront,” Mokoka said.
“If I can finish in 61 minutes, I will be very happy.”
However, that may not be fast enough to pick up the winner’s purse of R80,000.
Nedbank Running Club international director Nick Bester is bringing down a huge contingent of athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia and Lesotho.
The runner to watch could be Kenyan Benard Bii, who won the Durban half marathon and was third in the Two Oceans half marathon this year. “Bii has focused on his training since his first trip out of Kenya to take part in the Two Oceans,” Bester said.
“He has learnt a lot from the trip and I am sure he will be extremely strong.
“His aim is to run 60:30 or faster if conditions are good.”
Another runner to look out for will be his compatriot, Linus Roto, who won the 10,000m in Nairobi in 29 minutes and finished second in the 5,000m in 14:14 the same day.
Lesotho athlete Namakoe Nkhasi (1:03:38) and Sintayehu Legese Yinesu (1:02:59) from Ethiopia should also come into the frame.
In the women’s category, Kenyans Monica Cheruto, whose best time in the half marathon is 1:14.20, and Susy Chemaimak Chebet, who has a best half marathon of under 1:13:00, will be aiming for a podium finish. The half marathon route is certified by the International Amateur Athletics Federation.
EPA sponsorship liaison officer Mike Mbambani said the country’s top athletes had also confirmed their attendance.
“The championship provides locals the opportunity to race against the best in the country,” he said.
“The car is the highlight of our lucky draw competition, which means you don’t have to win one of the races to win it.
“Anyone who enters the 21.1km or 5km races will be eligible for the prize – but you must be present at the draw.
“Addidas will be sponsoring a R2,000 gift voucher for the four consolation prizes.”
Race director Alan Taylor said: “The winner of the half marathon could walk away with R105 000.
“In addition to the R80,000 winner’s prize, ASA has introduced a bonus incentive of R25,000 should a South African athlete finish first.”
Taylor said the NMB ASA 21.1km championship event had also incentivised school involvement with stationery to the value of R22,500 for the top three schools with bulk entries.
Participants can enter online at www.entrytime.com or at sports shops before 5pm on Wednesday next week.
For more info, call Michael Mbambani on 079-149-6796 or Alan Taylor on 083-658-0050.