Pietermaritzburg: Sunday 20 August
Runners and walkers are gearing up for the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge, which takes place in and around The Oval in the picturesque Alexandra Park on Sunday 20 August.
An expected 4,500 participants will be taking to the streets with both the 5km and 10km beginning at 8am. As this year is the first time that the race has been included in the national SPAR Grand Prix Series, there will be much interest in watching the elite athletes pounding the road in an endeavour to improve their log standings.
“We urge entrants to take note of the road closures and ensure that you plan to arrive well before the race as main access roads start closing from 07:30,” says race director Brad Glasspoole. “We also encourage residents to note the closures which should only have a minimal impact on the City for a short time.”
The road closures and opening times are as follows:
Sunday, August 20
Balmoral – closed from 03:00 – 11:00
Princess Margaret– closed from 03:00 – 11: 00
Park Drive between Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth – closed from 03:00 – 11:00
Princess Elizabeth – closed from 03:00 – 11:00
Park Drive from College Rd to Princess Elizabeth – closed from 07:00 – 11:00
Alexandra Road from Cross Rd to Alan Paton Ave – closed (inbound only) from 07:00 – 10:00
Alan Paton Ave from Alexandra Rd to Burger St – closed (inbound only) from 07:00 – 08:30
Alexandra Road – closed in both directions from 07:30 until approximately 08:45 (to accommodate the large field)
Entries for the challenge are still open, with two options to enter. Enter online paying with credit card at www.sparwomensrace.co.za/maritzburguntil August 14. Entering using a manual entry form can be done at race registration which is on Friday 18 August (10:00 to 17:00) and Saturday 19 August (10:00 to 15:00) at The Oval Cricket Stadium, Park Drive, Alexandra Park.
Entries are open to all from ages of 14 years and up in the 10km event and 9 years in the 5km races. Entry fees are R100 for the 10km licensed athletes and for the 5km runners. R110 is the entry fee for the non-licensed athletes; the extra R10 includes a temporary licence for the day.
For more info contact the race organisers on maritzburg@sparwomensrace.co.za or visit the official race on www.sparwomensrace.co.za or like the Facebook page.