The well-known Old Mutual Om die Dam race is the largest inland ultra-marathon in South Africa.

This event offers something for every runner. It consists of a 50km ultra marathon, a 21km half-marathon, a 10km race and a 5km fun run.

The race takes place at the Hartbeespoort Dam, about an half hour’s drive from Pretoria and this year it attracted over 7 000 participants.

Due to its scenic route, where the Hartebeespoortdam is in sight for the participants almost throughout the race, the race is consistently voted as one of the best of it’s kind in the country.

Riana van Niekerk the Centurion athlete who nowadays runs in the colours of the Boxer club made a dramatic comeback to win the women race in the Om die Dam Ultra-marathon the past weekend. Riana, who struggled with injuries for two years, won the race in 3 hours, 35 minutes and 35 seconds.
“I’m very chuffed. After my struggle with injuries last year, I’m really pleased,” said the 37-year old. “It took a long time to get back, but I’m very glad”
She was involved in a huge duel with another local athlete, Two Oceans runner up and top five Comrades participant, Charné Bosman. Bosman was leading up to the 40km mark. Van Niekerk then took the lead and won the race for the fifth time.
Van Niekerk plans to run the Loskop 50km in April as part of her build up to the Comrades Marathon. She has already won four gold medals in the Comrades.