SEDIBENG.- The eighth edition of the Rand Water Vaal River City Marathon drew large crowds to the Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark on Saturday, living up to expectations as one of the region’s biggest sporting events.

This year’s event saw a surge in popularity, with entries selling out on the very first day and drawing significantly more participants of all ages than the previous year.

Traffic congestion built up around the venue early in the morning as runners arrived for the various race categories. This included a 5km fun run, a 10km race, a 21.1km half marathon, and the full 42.2km marathon.

Hosted by the Dr Oliphant Institute of Leadership alongside the Lekoa Athletics Club and Athletics South Africa, the event provided a crucial qualifying platform for athletes aiming to compete in the prestigious Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon.

Co-ordinated successfully by Sechaba Mofokeng, the son of Dr Molefi Oliphant, the annual race reflects Mofokeng’s lifelong passion for athletics, dating back to his schoolboy days. At the conclusion of the races, successful competitors received prize money, trophies, medals, and sponsor goodies.

Presentations were led by sponsor representatives alongside key stakeholders, including Sedibeng Sports Federation chairperson Xolani Mathumba and Moruti Sehanka from the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation in Sedibeng.