Entries Now Open for the 2024 Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon – A Comrades Qualifier

Sapphire Coast Tourism is excited to welcome runners, spectators, and supporters to Amanzimtoti for the highly anticipated Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon on Sunday, 27 October 2024. This early qualifier for the Comrades Marathon, organised by Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, is a great opportunity for athletes and visitors to experience this coastal gem.

“We can confirm there will be an exciting new route for the 10km race at the 2024 Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon, taking runners along the scenic beach road and onto the promenade, while the 2023 routes for the 21.1km and 42.2km races will remain,” said Lynette Botha of Amanzimtoti Athletics Club. “This annual event is a great preparation for the upcoming Comrades Marathon and we encourage spectators to come out in full support of our incredible athletes. A massive thanks to event sponsors, Goss & Balfe and Galleria Mall, for making this possible, as well as Suzuki Amanzimtoti who will again sponsor the leading cars and the bailer bus to assist our athletes.”

Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon Details

Date: Sunday, 27 October 2024
Venue: Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, 1 Riverside Road, Amanzimtoti
Parking: R10
Online Entry: www.eventtiming.co.za
Early Bird Entries Close: 6 October 2024
Late Online Entries Close: 20 October 2024
Enquiries: toti.ac.racedirector@gmail.com | 079 467 6457
*Shirts for Early Bird entries ONLY. Medals for all finishers.

10km Race
Route: https://za.mapometer.com/running/route_5534958.html
https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2723558?units=km
Starts: 6am
Entry fee: R200
Late entry fee: R230
Temp licence: R90

21.1km Race
Route: https://za.mapometer.com/running/route_5471990.html
https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2723570?units=km
Starts: 6am
Entry fee: R250
Late entry fee: R280
Temp licence: R110

42.2km Race
Route: https://za.mapometer.com/running/route_5470780.html
https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2723540?units=km
Starts: 5.30am
Entry fee: R370
Late entry fee: R400

Late Entries and Race Pack Collection Details

Venue: Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, 1 Riverside Road, Amanzimtoti
Friday, 25 October 2024 | 4pm to 7pm
Saturday, 26 October 2024 | 10am to 4pm
Sunday, 27 October 2024 | From 4.30am
*No entries on race day

Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism, supporter of the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon, said this is another example of the region’s incredible sporting event potential, and the ideal opportunity for visitors to experience the Sapphire Coast. “This is a really well-organised and scenic event that gives participants a chance to experience the Sapphire Coast’s natural beauty and fantastic tourism sites!” said Wenzel.

Sapphire Coast Must-Try Sites and Activities
• Amanzimtoti Main Beach which includes fun slides at Splash Water World, a variety of restaurants, takeaways, and shops with local traders selling beautiful crafts and curios along the promenade.
• Charter boats for a day of deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, shark cage diving and/or snorkelling at Aliwal Shoal, a world-renowned dive site.
• Horse rides on the beach with experienced guides catering for a range of abilities.
• Illovo River is another top spot for water sports, fishing, birding, and picnics.
• Crocworld Conservation Centre with a variety of animals and demonstrations.
• Umkomaas Golf Club or Amanzimtoti Country Club for a round on the 18-hole course or a drink or meal at the club.
• Nature walks, hikes and birdwatching are available with Nungwane Waterfalls in the heart of Umbululu a great attraction for nature lovers, whether experienced on horseback, 4×4, or mountain bike.
• There is a wide range of accommodation options for participants to choose from including 5-star hotels, luxury B&Bs, comfortable guesthouses, self-catering units, family resorts, as well as caravan and camping facilities just a stone’s throw from the beach!

For more information about the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon, contact 079 467 6457 or email toti.ac.racedirector.co.za

For more information about the Sapphire Coast, visit www.sapphirecoasttourism.co.za or the Sapphire Coast Tourism Facebook page.

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Sapphire Coast Tourism.