POLOKWANE – Polokwane Mayor John Mpe officially launched the Polokwane City Marathon at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday, with the race scheduled to take place on May 2.

The marathon will start at 05:30 from the new Peter Mokaba Stadium and finish at the Polokwane Rugby Field.

Event growth and participation

Hosted in partnership with the Polokwane Athletic Club, the event has grown significantly since its inception in 2012 and is now capped at 4 000 participants.

The 4-in-1 marathon, formerly known as the Polokwane Mayoral Marathon, also serves as an official qualifier for the Comrades Marathon.

Qualifying races for Comrades

Runners have two qualifying options: the 42.2km race, which must be completed within five hours, and the 50km ultra marathon, with a cut-off time of six hours and 10 minutes.

“Our marathon offers a vital platform for runners to accumulate meaningful distance through a Comrades qualifier right here in Polokwane.

“This dual opportunity firmly places our city on the map as a serious contributor to the national road running calendar,” said Mpe.

Race categories and prize money

Participants can also compete in the 5km fun run or walk, 10km, 21.1km and the 50km ultra marathon.

A total prize purse of R200 000 will be shared among winners, with the top three finishers in the 50km race, both men and women, receiving R15 000 for first place, R10 000 for second and R5 000 for third.

Road closures and public notice

All finishers will receive medals. Mpe urged the public to take note of planned road closures, which have already been communicated.

“Our communications team will continue to issue updates and reminders to ensure that all road users are well informed,” he said.