New route for Deloitte challenge owing to M4 wash-away

As repairs to the flood-damaged M4 Ruth First Highway continue, race organisers of the Deloitte Challenge have decided to re-route this year’s challenge.

With cooperation from Durban Metro Police, an out-and-back route has been secured from the iconic finish at the Amphitheatre on Durban’s beach front on March 15.

The route will take runners through a short loop of the Kings Park area then out to Umhlanga on the M4 under road closure, with a straight shot finish down the promenade.

Deloitte Challenge race director, Arthur Bertram said: “If anything, this format will be flatter and faster than our traditional point-to-point route, avoiding the Tongaat, Umdloti and Umhlanga lagoons.

“We will retain our full number of water points planned for the point-to-point route, situated strategically to the left and right ensuring that runners don’t need to cross over the road. This will assist those chasing fast qualifying times or personal bests.”

For safety reasons race organisers have suspended the cycle race for 2020 as runners and cyclists cannot be in contraflow on the same route.

The marathon, half marathon and 10km challenge will now start and end at the Amphitheatre Durban Promenade.

The marathon remains a Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans qualifier. All the events, except for the 5km fun run, will be timed with ChampionChip. Food, refreshments and entertainment will be available at the finish.

For full details of the new route visit deloittechallenge.co.za or email deloittechallenge@peaktiming.co.za. The race office can also be contacted at 061 921 1005.

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