TZANEEN – Magoebaskloof and its surroundings have in recent years become a popular destination for sports events attracting athletes from all over the country.

Not only does it provide a much-needed economic boost to the region, but it also showcases the area’s many tourist attractions.

With the weather cooling in March, a series of already-established events are set to have locals and visitors tie up their sports shoes for a thrilling start to the year.

The Spar Tzaneen Tuffy 4-in-1 Marathon in the mountains of Agatha and known as the toughest marathon in Limpopo. The race, presented by the Tzaneen Marathon Club, takes place on Saturday, March 8 from 06:00 starting from Lombard Avocado.

Last year this Comrades qualifier tallied close to 1 000 entries in the marathon, half marathon, 10km road race and 5km fun run. For more information on the Tuffy, call Wicus at 083 391 0172.

The following weekend, March 15 and 16, patrons can head for Magoebaskloof for the Ebenezer Mile, an open water race at the Ebenezer Dam presented by the Haenertsburg Rotary Club as part of their fundraising efforts.

On Sunday, the popular Wik Memorial Triathlon will be hosted by Stanford Lake College. The triathlon includes two events with a swim, MTB ride and trail running. For more information on the Ebenezer Mile, call Peter at 082 825 9654. For more on The Wik, call Neil at 015 276 6103.

The last March event will attract trail runners and their supporters for the Hi-Tec Magoebas Ultra. This event takes place over the weekend of March 21 to 22 and is a highlight on the national trail running calendar. Trail runners can enter in 60km, 45km, 28km and 10km distances. The routes take runners through the diverse terrain of the indigenous forests of Magoebaskloof.

On March 21 and 23 pre-race and after parties will be hosted at Krabbefontein.

For more information on the Magoebas Ultra, call Handré at 083 262 1153.