Colin Louw wins PwC Kosmos 3-in-1 pre-race in Secunda

SECUNDA – The 26th annual PwC Kosmos 3-in-1 Marathon is happening this weekend and according to the organisers, it is bursting at the seams.

Ms Wilna Jordaan, chairman of Secunda Marathon Club who is organising the event, said the number of entries was more than 1 800 for the 3-in-1 on 2 March. Three years ago this number stood on 1 000.

“Runners will still be able to enter for the 21km, the 10km and the fun run before each race, but entry for the entire 3-in-1 and the 42km races has already closed. There will be no substitution.”

The PwC Kosmos 3-in-1 comprises a 42,2km race beginning at 6am, a 21,1km starting at 1pm and a 10km race beginning at 5pm.

Runners can opt to take part in any of the races or in all three.

If you want to enter the 21km race, you can do so between 11.30am and 12.45pm.

Entry for the 10m race is from 3.30pm to 4.45pm. There is also a 4,5km fun run that starts at 1.15pm.

This unique marathon is a qualifier for the Comrades Marathon and is a favourite among road runners.

“There will be ample waterpoints, food and beverages for the athletes. Our community is truly involved in this event and they put in a lot of effort at the waterpoints.”

This year runners can expect seven waterpoints on the 10km route, 12 waterpoints on the 21,1km route and 20 waterpoints on the 42,2km.

“This year is also the first time that we will be placing Garbie boxes that will also serve as road beacons. We encourage the runners to make use of these to keep our town clean.”

Ms Jordaan and fellow Secunda Marathon Club runners took on the Kosmos 3-in-1 on Saturday, 3 March as a pre-race for the main event. This was her 505th run in the colours of Secunda Marathon Club.

Altogether 16 runners took part in the 3-in-1 pre-race and 23 ran the 42,2km, 33 the 21,1km and 34 ran the 10km.

Colin Louw set the time to beat by completing the 3-in-1 pre-race in a time of 6:07,54. Sean Stander came second in a time of 6:54,25 and Jolene Carstens was the first woman to finish. Her time was 8:03,29.

Neels Vermeulen ran his 20th 3-in-1, while Kevin Steyn obtained his permanent number after completing his 5th 3-in-1.

The novices of this race were Daleen Venter and Dirk, Denise and Carole Wolfaardt.

Ms Jordaan asked motorists to be mindful when they drive in town this coming Saturday and to be on alert for runners.

“Be aware that at some points there will be single lane driving only and pointsmen will be regulating the traffic.”