Old Mutual Om-Die-Dam 50 km & Half Marathon
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| Date: |
21 March 2009 |
| Time: |
06h00 |
| Organisers: |
Hartbeespoort Marathon Club |
| Distance: |
50, 20; 21.1; 5; 20 |
| Province: |
North West North |
| Start: |
Hartebeespoort High School
Hartebeespoort
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| Enquiries: |
Contact 1: Hannes Barendze
(W) 012-2530252
(F) 012-2530059
(C) 073-5377507
(Email) omdiedam@mweb.co.za |
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| Entry Details: |
Entry forms can also be downloaded from www.omdiedam.co.za, or participants can submit their entries at local sports stores and at races in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Om-die-Dam Ultra is strictly a pre-entry race. The closing date for entries is 9 March 2009. Late entries for the half marathon are taken at the start from 04h30.
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| Route Description: |
Route Type: Circular
Which one, oh which is the most beautiful, which the hardest? Om-die-Dam is a difficult race, let's be clear about that. But it is also a beautiful race. Compared to many other famous ultras, it is often the one that sets the benchmark.
The race starts off in an easy and orderly fashion as it leaves suburban Hartbeespoort and runs alongside the dam for the opening few kilometres. A run through the tunnel is always punctuated with wolf-whistles and cat-calls. This adds to the atmosphere of bonhomie and does little to detract from the magnificence of the triumphant arch-like structure that straddles the dam wall.
The number-one item on the agenda for today is to climb the first of several challenging hills. Commando Nek comes early on in the race and, while nuggety, it should pose little difficulty. It was on this nek that Boer General De la Rey positioned his commandos, effectively cutting off Rustenburg from Pretoria.
Once over Commando’s, it is relatively easy-going as you cross the long bridge over Hartbeespoort Dam. This is a very beautiful stretch, with the sun rising and reflecting with a dramatic splash on the calm water below.
Next comes the long and steady climb through Broederstroom past Pelindaba. The African Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone Treaty, known as the "Pelindaba Treaty" was adopted here. This section of the race can be very hot and the organisers go out of their way to lay on excellent water tables that offer all sorts of refreshments, such as fruit, ice lollies and even miniature wors rolls!
The race earns its reputation as a tough customer at Saartjiesnek. Around the 38-kilometre mark lies this punishing two kilometre-or-so monster. Each great ultra possesses a legendary hill. It is at this point on Om-die-Dam where reputations are made or broken. Shoulder in and run, let Saartjie make you the hero today. The top of Saartjies has its own reward, for glittering below is the most breathtaking and panoramic view of Hartbeespoort Dam.
The final stretches are relatively easy with one or two challenging climbs in the last 10 kilometres. A cautionary note – the event is run in March and in North West it can get very hot at this time, so drink plenty of fluid on the route.
The half-marathon route runs mainly around the suburbs of Hartbeespoort, and is generally flat, easy and fast.
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| Prizes and Give-Aways: |
| All category winners in the ultra marathon receive gold medals. Men who finish in less than 03:45 and women who finish in less than 04:10 win silver. All other finishers get bronze medals. The medal is a unique, beautifully sculptured item - truly a collector's piece. All finishers also get badges and good-quality T-shirts.
Those who complete 10 runs receive a permanent number.
All category winners in the half marathon receive gold medals, the next 200 finishers win silver, and all other finishers get bronze medals.
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| Course Records: |
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Name |
Time |
Year |
| Men |
Ledwick Mamabolo |
02:49:55 |
2003 |
| Women |
Riana van Niekerk |
03:22:32 |
2007 |
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| Editor's Notes: |
The Old Mutual Om-Die-Dam Ultra Marathon has been consistently ranked by the Runner’s World race judges as a well organised and well presented event. Over the last four years it achieved distinction and a place in South Africa’s best loved races. It was voted the sixth best ultra marathon. The half featured in the rankings as well and has regularly been voted as one of the top ten half marathons.
This gem was first run in 1991 and ever since runners have given the race a "big thumbs up". In 2009, Om-die-Dam celebrates its 19th birthday. It has grown from 1 800 finishers in 1991 to well over 7 000 in 2007.
Why such phenomenal growth when many races are declining and losing sponsorship? Race director Hannes Barendze’s answer is simple: "We have the finest water tables in the country". That's only part of the truth. Hannes forgot to mention the overall race. From the handling of entries to the packing away afterwards, this race reaches a remarkable standard of organisation.
You will find accommodation at local resorts, schools and with residents in the area at very fair prices. Hartbeespoort also offers fine camping facilities. Contact the Om-die-Dam office for details. This, one of the finest ultra marathons in South Africa, is only an hour's drive from Johannesburg or around 40 minutes from Pretoria.
A 20 km is held at the same time and walkers are welcome and has a 4 hour cut-off time. Proceeds from the five-kilometre fun run are donated to the Old Age Home in Hartbeespoort.
Finishers: 7000 Time Limit: 07:00 |
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