Entries open for 2016 Dick King run/walk

The 39th edition of the annual Dick King Run/Walk takes place on Sunday, April 3 starting on Beach Road opposite Spur in Amanzimtoti at 6am.

Organised by the Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, with marketing assistance provided by Sapphire Coast Tourism, the historic half marathon attracts a number of runners and walkers to the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.

Originating in 1976, the race was started by the first chairman of the now Amanzimtoti Athletics Club – Peter Malone – who named it after the British trader and colonist, Dick King.

As the story goes, King and his horse stopped in Amanzimtoti on the way from Port Natal to Grahamstown during King’s epic journey to warn about the pending Boer attacks.

The Dick King race is essentially along part of the same route he would have taken.

The race is separated into a 21km run and 15 walk that takes competitors from Beach Road through to Illovo and back.

Last year the 21km was won by Michael Mzobe (men’s division) in a time of 1:09:36 and Teneal Featherby (women’s division) 1:31:42. 

“We are very excited to be hosting this monumental race once again,” said Des van der Merwe,  “We are sure every participant will enjoy the stunning route in this lovely part of the world, and we have taken every effort to ensure everyone’s safety on the day.”

Chairman of 40-year-old Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, Des van der Merwe said Metro police will approve all safety and security plans including an ambulance and rescue bus on race day, as well as emergency respondents.

Refreshment tables will be placed every 3km along the route providing participants with water and coca cola. 

The race begins at 6am on Beach Road in front of Spur and finishes in front of Valentinos and race categories include: open, 35-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+, 70+ and junior male or female.

The winning runners will both receive marathon trophies and the top three competitors in all categories will receive a cash prize and every participant will receive a T-shirt and medal.

Entries for the race are open online at www.totiac.co.za at a cost of R100 for the 21km run and R90 for the 15km walk.

Pre-entry for the race closes on 27 March 2016. Temporary licences can also be purchased.

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