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MARITZBURG CITY MARATHON 2019 – THE END
Thank you for the support for the Maritzburg City Marathon these past few years.
Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, we have decided that the 2019 event was the last Maritzburg City Marathon.
The reasons are too many to list here, but, not least of them is the lack of meaningful financial support from the City of Pietermaritzburg/Msunduzi. Certain individuals within the municipality are extremely supportive but, in the main, they appear not to care at all.
The internal political struggle between the factions within Msunduzi as well as the disinformation campaign carried out by the suspended KZNA board against ASA affected our build-up dramatically.
In an effort to save on costs, and thus save the event, we did all the admin and entries ourselves. A small group did all the number preparation and packing. This meant 18 to 20 hour days from mid-January until the race. This impacted heavily on our day jobs and our health. All this with no reward save the enjoyment of the participants.
We also doubt this City’s capacity to sustain an event of this size. The attitude of motorists and their aggression, lack of respect for uniformed officers and disregard for the rules of the road a frightening.
Add the athletes’ disregard for the rules of the sport, infrastructure placed for their benefit and inconsiderate actions as both pedestrians and drivers, after they have finished, towards other athletes still participating, and one fears that, sometime soon, someone will be injured or possibly killed. The most disappointing aspect was the number of runners clearly running in other peoples’ numbers.
This decision has not been taken lightly and is, probably, a year past when it should have been made.
Thank you all for your friendship, support and we wish all athletes well for the future.
We are very proud to have successfully delivered this event, with the help of amazing volunteers and partners, for the past 23 years.
The Witness Maritzburg City Marathon, which is powered by Thirsti, takes place on the LAST SUNDAY IN FEBRUARY, ANNUALLY.
The 2019 ‘Maritzburg City Marathon takes place at 5:00am on Sunday 24th February 2019.
This race has become the most popular marathon and half marathon combination in KwaZulu-Natal. The race not only has generously achievable cut off times (four hours for 21,1 km and seven hours for the marathon) but caters equally for runners and walkers. This is an ideal entry level Marathon, Half Marathon or 10km.
The basket of races also includes a 10km race beginning at 9.30am. This is open to runners and walkers and has a generous 2 hour 30 minute limit.
To give you something different, we have added two trail runs. Lynton Kynloch has designed a trail course along the banks of the Umsinduzi River. The trail will offer a 7 km option as well as a 16 km distance. These events will be run on Saturday morning, 23rd February.
THE MARATHON OF CHOICE
Traditionally, more Comrades entrants used this race as their qualifier than any other race. Comrades Marathon Qualifying time is 4 hours 50 minutes. The 42.2km is also a Two Oceans Marathon (5 hours) qualifier.
In our continuing efforts to improve this event, the organisers have The Witness as a Media Partner, and Thirsti handling logistics. We have also engaged the assistance of other role players to assist us in improving sponsorships and activities. With their assistance we are growing the event to include the FUN RUNS along with the usual fare and upgraded entertainment.
Keep an eye on this web site, our page and the media for the arrival of each piece of good news.
A whole weekend of running and entertainment festivities.
By kind support of LIBERTY MIDLANDS MALL, EL SOMBRERO SPUR and PINKDRIVE, we are, again, providing a KIDZONE for both Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th February. Here, your family will be safely entertained whilst you run or enjoy the registration and races. No more excuses! No more feeling left out. No more running on your own in different races. Now both Mum and Dad can enjoy and achieve together and the kids will be there to share your day.
Where we lead, others follow.
This is the twenty third running of this event. By popular demand, we are maintaining the unique double faced medal which will be given to all official finishers who complete any of the distances on offer, inside the generous cut off times as well as beautiful T-shirts to ALL marathon and half marathon entrants. Early bird 10km entrants will also receive T-shirts as will trail athletes. Additional T-shirts will be available for sale after the event.
This Comrades (4 hours 50 minutes) and Two Oceans qualifier (5 Hours) is a pre entry event and no marathon or half marathon entries (except limited “Charity Entries” at a “Charity Price”) will be accepted after the closing dates or when the safety caps (limits) have been reached. Postal entries must be sent early enough to arrive in our office by the closing date. This will ensure that we supply sufficient cold water, Coke and energy drink for all the participants.
Race enquiries can be made on the Internet at pmb42.co.za, e-mail enquiries to or by telephoning the race office which will be open, 9am to noon, Monday through Friday, from 29th January to 23rd February 2018.