Karoo Marathon not just a race but a laboratory of cultural warmth “You return your gift of running by giving back to the people of the Karoo with partnering in this great annual event. Through you athletic career you have learnt, earned and now return back to the community”, said Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Dr Ivan Meyer, to Zola Budd as celebrity participant and Laingsburg ambassador of the Newton Karoo Marathon at the media launch of this event. The Laingsburg Karoo Marathon in its 43rd year already, which consists of 80 km Ultra Marathon, 21.1 km Laingsburg Challenge, 10 km Laingsburg Short, will take place 21 September 2013. According to the Mayor of Laingsburg Municipality, Mr Wilhelm Theron, it would be a weekend festival. Runners from across the country participate in this event. Last year 250 runners participated and according to the organisers the amount may double to 500 runners this year. So runners across the country are invited to participate in the biggest ever Karoo marathon. “This has always been a community action with no sponsors. But with the involvement of Zola Budd with the marketing and sport expertise this race would become a weekend festival. The local Municipality and the Business Chamber are also involved now the past few years and it could only build onto the marathon and make it bigger”, said Mayor Theron. For the well-known runner, Zola, it is very important to get involved in this race due to her love for the Karoo. She has indicated that she will definitely be participate in the 21km road race and will be running a development clinic in Laingsburg on the morning of 20 September on the sportsfield next to the finish line for the kids and their parents. “There’s something unique in the Karoo, not only the environment but the people of the Karoo. This race must and will have a positive influence on the children”, said Zola. According to Minister Meyer his department made a contribution of R20 000 to the marathon. “We are here to support Laingsburg in this great marathon. It is also our gesture of support by partnering with the face and ambassador of the event, Zola, and all other roll players involved in the marathon”, said Minister Meyer. The registration for the Laingsburg Karoo Marathon races will take place for the athletes at the Laingsburg Flood Museum. Stalls with mouth-watering treats as well as sport stalls will be around the Museum. For more information on the Laingsburg Karoo Marathon, please contact Petro Buys or Elize Fisher at 023-551-1019. Race Information Entries: 1. Entry fees: 80 km Ultra Marathon – R75,00 21.1 km Laingsburg Challenge – R40,00 10 km Laingsburg Short – R30,00 (Regret no wheelchairs allowed) 2. Entries are limited as follows: 80 km Ultra Marathon – 500 participants 21.1 km Laingsburg Challenge – 250 participants 10 km Laingsburg Short – 250 participants 3. Closing Date: Monday 9 September 2011 @ 12:00. Only entries received before this date will be confirmed by sms or e-mail. Official race T-shirts will also be issued only to these entrants.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Jun 2013 06:26:10 +0000
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