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Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

Date: Aug 31, 2020

Top SA field across three cities for Sanlam Cape Town Virtual Marathon

(Cape Town, 27 August 2020) – The best of the best among SA’s top athletes will engage in a virtual battle of physical skill and mental strategy on 18 October when 20 Elite Invitational and 21 wildcard entries will run the Sanlam Cape Town Virtual Marathon, simultaneously, along three pre-designed routes in Cape Town, Pretoria and Potchefstroom.

The inclusion of what is undoubtedly the best field seen in any South African marathon is a dream come true for the event organisers, and comes after consultation with and approval of Athletics South Africa.

“Never before has a South African elite field been so strong, and for the first time ever the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will see Olympians competing against the best ultra marathon, half marathon and cross country runners,” says race ambassador Elana Meyer.

“The men's field includes legends like Stephen Mokoka, Elroy Gelant, Bongmusa Mthembu and Edward Mothibi, while the Phalula twins, Cornelia Joubert, Tanith Maxwell, Jenna Challenor, Charne Bosman, Sanelisiwe Mbanjwa and Ann Ashworth will be among the star-studded women's field. We are also thrilled to welcome SA’s highest-ranked trailrunner, Meg Mackenzie, who will make her running debut in Cape Town.

“Add to this, the unique format of running virtually across three cities, and we’re set for one of the most thrilling showdowns in recent history.”

With the recent cancellation of the half marathon world champs, scheduled to take place in Poland in October, Joel Mmone and Collen Mulaudzi have been included as wildcard entries. Mulaudzi, who trains with Mokoka, and Mmone count as two of the most promising South African marathon athletes, boasting half marathon times of 62:03 and 61:22 respectively.

In another first, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will be broadcast live on SABC 2 between 06h00 and 09h30 on 18 October. This is the first time in history that a virtual marathon is broadcast live on TV.

According to Sanlam Cape Town Virtual Marathon race director, Renee Jordaan, camera crews will follow the Elite Invitational run on the three respective routes, while the broadcast itself will also include a host of human interest stories and virtual race updates from across the globe.

In addition, Dr Ross Tucker will provide expert insights in-studio - commenting on athletes’ performance at different altitudes and weather conditions, as well as the challenges of not being able to see one another as one would in a traditional road race.

SABC Sport General Manager, Gary Rathbone added, "We are very excited about this year's Sanlam Cape Town Virtual Marathon. It will be the first time that we bring a virtual race of the sport loved by so many, and that has produced many great athletes and champions. With the challenges brought along by Covid-19 pandemic, this presented a perfect opportunity for SABC Sport to use its production experience of many decades, combined with the new age technology, to enable our viewers to be part of the race from the comfort of their homes. The race will also be available on the SABC Sport portal, allowing the runners themselves to follow live the race which they are running in, providing total viewing satisfaction."

Sydney Mbhele, Chief Executive: Brand at Sanlam Group says the theme of this year’s marathon is ‘Run for Something’. “As the Elite runners will set their individual goal and run their personal best on race day, we encourage runners globally to not only set their running goal, but this time around, set a goal to globally come together as one and run to make a difference. We want to create positive change by urging each entrant to make this race a meaningful moment in their life. The ‘something’ they run for, could be anything. It could be beating a personal best. It could be lacing up to run again after months spent indoors. It could be running to raise funds for a favourite cause. It’s about giving people the chance to make an impact.”

Sanlam has been the headline sponsor of the marathon for seven years, and Mbhele explains that this year things will be done a little differently. “For the first time ever, we’ll be running virtually in different parts of the world, but together, we can make it count. We hope to make a bigger difference than ever before. As Africa’s biggest non-banking financial services company, we believe in the potential of the people of this continent. Like us, SCTM has built a marathon for the people of Africa and having SA’s top runners on the road on 18 October is testimony to this belief. Sanlam is absolutely committed to investing in the place we call home. We’ve done it before…for many causes, and today…the world calls on us to do more.”

With just over 50 days to go, Sanlam Cape Town Virtual Marathon entries continue to pour in from all corners of the world. Runners can be a part of it by entering the marathon, half marathon, or 10km / 5km Peace Runs at www.capetownmarathon.com.