The date has been officially set for the third edition of the ever-popular Letsgo Potch marathon, which will take place on Saturday, 28 October this year.
Professional athletes and social runners are gearing up for a celebration of running. The race will once again start and finish in the heart of the Bult at Cachet Park. The official launch event took place this past Tuesday, 27 June with organisers, stakeholders and athletes present to hype up this upcoming race.
Letsgo Potch presented by OppiKampus Student Accommodation, will once again see runners being able to partake in 5km fun run and fully sanctioned Athletics Central North West, 10km, 21.1km and 42.2km distances.
The added marathon bonus is that Letsgo Potch, which falls under the Athletics Central North West (ACNW) banner, is also a 2024 Comrades Marathon qualifying event. This is more than enough motivation from runners all across North West to come and participate in one the best organised races in Potchefstroom.
Letsgo Potch has grown in leap and bounds since its inaugural race in 2021. Organiser and senior pastor at Shofar Potchefstroom, Christo Louw, stated that this is a community-based race by and for the people of Potchefstroom.
“We stated this race manly because Potch needed a race like this for Potch in order to see the community of Potch flourish. We are looking forward to an exceptional marathon this year. We want to host a well organised race that runners from across the country can come and experience our oak lane in Potch,” added Louw.
“I also want to invite the whole community and local businesses to be part of this race and to put Potchefstroom on the map,” added Louw.
Local professional athletes and SA record holders, Elroy Gelant and Jerry Motsau was also part of the launch event giving their stamp of approval. Gelant welcomed the Letsgo Marathon stating that it fills a gap for local runners to partake in marathons right on their door step.
“It’s great for SA’s elite and social runners to participate in these events. There is a lot of potential for this race and provides an opportunity for the talent in Potch and the greater North West to show what they are made off,” added Gelant, a 5000m SA record holder.
Motsau also emphasized the importance of sponsorships for races and the running community at large.
“Athletes want decent prize money when competing in these events. It will also attract more runners to Potch for this race. It’s also important to involve athletes from Ikageng and Promosa to get the whole community involved,” added Motsau.
Entries for Letsgo Potch are now open on entryninja.com.
Prices per category:
5km Fun Run – R 70
10km – R150
21.1km – R220
42.2km – R280
