All laced up for marathon

A fresh year brings with it a new start for the annual Battlefields Marathon.

While the annual marathon will retain the three distance categories of 42 kilometres, 21km and 10 km, organisers have mapped out a new route to entice runners from far and wide.

With great prize money up for grabs and medals for all finishers, the combination is a recipe for success.

Explaining the decision to make the marathon follow the newly-constructed D96, Harriers member and veteran runner, Siggy Lauterbach said the road was very scenic and less dangerous.

“There are few cars or trucks and we are looking at safety foremost. The new road means perfect conditions.”

Runners will set off from Hutten Park Primary School on February 8, through Hutten Heights and onto the D96, with the turnaround point set 2,5 kilometres beyond the Vulintaba intersection.

Mr Lauterbach predicts runners are in for a scorcher, so water would be important.

He urged runners to train well in advance or risk cramping on race day, adding it would be wise to wear a cap and use sunscreen for overall protection from the sun.

“Runners who are not prepared will not last.”

Asked for additional advice for those tackling the Battlefields, Mr Lauterbach said as the race was a mere 42 kilometres, runners needed not make dietary changes.

There will be about nine water tables along the route, to satisfy the needs of athletes.

However, Mr Lauterbach pleaded with runners to not discard water bags and other refuse on the road, as it became a difficult task for organisers to clean up afterward.

“Runners can also do a pre-entry until February 1, or they will have to enter before the race begins at 5.30am.”

Both the 21km and 10km events set off at 6.30am on the day – for more information on the Battlefields Marathon, contact At Swanepoel on 072 229 1662.