The UNIWISP Kaapsehoop marathon will be run on Saturday November 6. This will be the 35th edition of the marathon organised by the Nelspruit Marathon Club (NMC).

Since inception the marathon was hosted on the Kaapsehoop road and over the years it has become a tradition to host the race during the first weekend in November. With more than 70% of the racers from other provinces, it was estimated that the 2019 edition of the Uniwisp Kaapsehoop Marathon contributed more than R20 million to the local economy.

Uniwisp, a local ICT and Internet Service Provider has been the main sponsor since 2016 and their involvement with NMC and the Kaapsehoop Marathon has contributed to the more than 400 per cent growth of the race over the past five years. The Uniwisp Kaapsehoop Marathon reached a significant milestone in 2019 when the marathon was officially selected as the 3rd largest Marathon in South Africa with only the Cape Town Marathon (1st) and the Soweto Marathon (2nd) larger.

The Kaapsehoop Marathon has become a very important fixture on the annual running calendar in Mpumalanga and in South Africa. The Marathon is an official qualifier for both the Comrades and the Two Oceans Ultramarathons and is sanctioned by the rules of Athletics Mpumalanga. Because of current strict Covid restrictions from AMPU, the Uniwisp Kaapsehoop Marathon, 2021 Edition, is limited to 2000 runners for the 42,2Km and 500 runners for the 10Km run. Unfortunately, the 21,1Km was not approved to be hosted.

The Marathon will be timed using mat-to-mat electronic timing, with the introduction of a new wave start. A seeding process will help faster runners to start in the first batches. Demarcated areas for the start will be open from 05:00 on Saturday morning, 6 November 2021. Batches will clearly be marked with color coded areas. Each area will correspond with the athletes’ official race number and will ensure seamless and manageable batches of 300 to 500 athletes per batch. The batches will be released with 1-minute intervals. Access to the Start areas will only be allowed to athletes who have color-coded Uniwisp Kaapsehoop Marathon Race Numbers.

Starting times for the Marathon are set to start at 06:00 just outside Kaapsehoop and the 10km run starting at 06:30 at the Mbombela stadium.

History of the Kaapsehoop marathon

The first 42km race was held 35 years ago in 1985. The first race had 62 entrants and it finished at the marathon club – at the time situated where Crossing Centre has been built. The event was moved to the Mbombela Stadium in 2012.

In 2019 the marathon had more than 10 000 entries across the 3 events and was officially selected as the 3rd largest Marathon in South Africa. The 2020 edition of the Marathon was held in the form of a virtual event because of the Covid Pandemic.

The winners in 2019 were Professor Mthethwa in 2:19:28 (Men) and Caroline Josten 2:48:15 (Ladies). The current course record (2016 – 2019) is held by Lutendo Maputo (2:18:55) for the men and, Comrades Winner, Ann Ashworth 2:47:17 for the ladies. One of our partners for many years, De Goede Finance is sponsoring R5000 if any of the course record be broken on the day.

One of the many challenges of this race is that it may well start in cold misty conditions at Kaapsehoop, and then offer sweltering conditions along the route. Participants need to be prepared for all types of weather conditions on the day.

Nelspruit Marathon Club and UNIWISP will ensure that there is enough fluid and eats available along the route. There will be 19 water points along the route. All finishers will receive a medal. Buses will transport athletes from Mbombela Stadium to the starting point from 04:00. To promote a safe and vehicle free road for our runners, the organisers decided to include the bus ticket in the entry fee.

As per AMPU, no gatherings or food stalls will be allowed at the finish area. Athletes will be guided to leave the finishing area as soon as possible. Nelspruit Marathon Club and UNIWISP are looking forward to welcoming athletes on November 6.

Enquiries about the race should be directed to Nelspruit Marathon Club on  083 951 0380 or info@marathonclubnelspruit.co.za.

Fascinating facts of this event

• This is the 35th event
• It is the biggest marathon in Mpumalanga and 3rd biggest in South Africa
• It will be the first time that the race times will be measured using mat-to-mat timing with a batch start.
• No athlete will thus lose unnecessary time at the start of the race.
• 55 buses were used in 2019 creating a convoy of (1,35km)
• 520 000 water bags were used on the day (130 000 litres)
• 22 water points – about 500 volunteers will be working
• Refuse bags – 420
• Energade – 50 000
• Tables – 98
• Ice blocks – 1 920 and 1200 Ice bags with 4

Marieta Bekker:

Goodluck to all runners especialy my son Fanie Bekker and my daughter in law Mirandi Bekker we are with you in our hearts all the way. STRONGS

Maryann Lombard:

Good luck to all those who are running. Enjoy every moment of it

Madeleine Whitehair:

Good luck to all the runners. Give it your best and enjoy every moment. Go TEAM Run Walk for LIFE! You’ve got this!!!!

Stephen Collins:

Good luck to all the runners who will be competing this weekend. Let’s enjoy it and have some fun along the way. See you on the road

Ada Ströh:

There are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is – Good luck to all the runners! Enjoy every moment!

Gugulethu Berlington:

To the Bellas Goodluck I know you will all make it! Czar – you got this momma *wink*

Deane Mortlock:

Good luck to every runner taking part do your best and have fun

Bobo: 

We wish all the runners a good run, run green and enjoy the race. Meet the Bella’s Athletic Club waterpoint at 21km, grab some water and other stuff to take you to the end of the race

Sibongile Mthunywa:

Wishing my favourite people the best of the best.
Sizakele Mtsweni, Charles Zala, Ouma, Lebo, Themba kaShube ( Mr Shuffle), the purple family Bellas. Mr Ndimande my best friend’s dad coming all the way from PTA to run 42km. It’s his 2nd Kaapsehoop

May you all have fun

Yolanda Gwambe:

Good luck to all the runners this weekend, may you enjoy the scenery as Kaapsehoop has the most beautiful scenery which is graced with beautiful horses that run in the same space as runners as you begin the race. The weather there is also so lovely this coming weekend.

Have fun, lots and lots of fun! Make it a race to remember! A victory of Covid-19!

Chantal Middel-Bovée:

Wishing all runners a great (and fast) time on the Road! Remember; the Pain you feel on race day will be the Strength you’ll feel the day after. You CAN do this! Enjoy every moment and KEEP GOING!

Sizakele Mtsweni:

Good luck my, me and the bella’s family will be cheering you

Shelley Parnell:

To all us Crazy but awesome runners. Good luck for Saturday’s Marathon. Enjoy every km and run safe. Keep smiling

Patrick Ntimane:

Good luck to Bellas Athletics Club members and all other amazing running friends. Halfway mark will be magical as we will be mending a water point with almost everything a runner may wish to get to accomplish his/her business. #ProudlyBellas #Aspire2Inspire.

Lillian Collins:

Good luck to all the runners..

Stephen, we stand behind you all the ge way… Rest well before and enjoy the race…
Hou bene hou!!!!

Amanda Collins:

Good luck to my son Stephen Collins who will running this marathon. All the best to all the runners from RWFL Nelspruit and all the other runners