Old Mutual Buffs Marathon
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| Date: |
27 February 2010 |
| Time: |
05h30 |
| Organisers: |
Buffalo Road Runners |
| Distance: |
42.2; ; |
| Province: |
Border |
| Start: |
The Stutterheim side of Macleantown
Buffalo Club |
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| Enquiries: |
Contact 1: James Anderson
(W) 043-7483419
(H) 043-7481471
(F) 043-7483419
(C) 079-4935994
(Email) james01@telkomsa.net |
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| Entry Details: |
Pre-entry is essential. Online entries are also available at www.buffsclub.co.za/running/ and at local sports shops. Entries close on 24 February 2010. Race numbers can be collected between 17h00 and 20h00 on the evening before the race at the Buffalo Club.
Walkers are Welcome |
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| Route Description: |
Route Type: Point to point
Gather on the Stutterheim Road and race back to East London. What a great idea! This marathon is run through the emerald-green rolling hills close to East London. For the greater part, the course is forgiving and slightly downhill. The early stages are beautiful and these initial kilometres are easy to run. One could almost be lulled into a false sense of security, as one green kilometre effortlessly gives way to the next. There is a secret to running this deceptively cunning marathon, though. Go out easy in the early stages.
A hint of the work ahead comes as you run over a small drift near the 32-kilometre mark. Shoulder in here, and grind up to the traffic circle and the R72. The organisers have changed the final run to the Buffalo Club, but the hills in the closing stages will test even the strongest of climbers. Most of the hard work on this marathon is found in the closing six kilometres, and any early indiscretions will be paid for dearly.
The descent past the Christian Centre is welcome, before the route goes through leafy Abbotsford. The end is near, but first a run along the Old Transkei Road where you follow the course of the Nahoon River. Before bidding farewell, there is the final but very firm handshake of the dreaded Willasdale Ascent. This part of the race is as tough as any marathon, and will test even the bravest, but you are home and Buffalo Park waits.
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| Prizes and Give-Aways: |
| Category winners receive cash prizes. The first 50 finishers win silver medals and all other finishers go home with bronze. If you finish the race 10 times, you will receive a perpetuity number; those who complete 20 Buffs Marathons are presented with a shield. All entrants receive T-shirts. |
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| Course Records: |
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Name |
Time |
Year |
| Men |
W. Mankayi |
02:14:15 |
1985 |
| Women |
Suzette Botha |
02:48:35 |
2006 |
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| Editor's Notes: |
The Buffalo Marathon celebrates its 37th anniversary in 2010, and the organisers are sure to pull out all the stops to make this a memorable occasion. It is the biggest marathon on the Border calendar, and has the support of many out-of-town athletes.
For runners unsure of making the cut-off, the organisers are encouraging an innovation known as the "slow runners start" which sets off an hour before the official run begins. Bear in mind you will have to supply your own refreshments for the first hour and must wear reflective gear for your own safety. For more information visit www.buffsclub.co.za/running/.
Finishers: 550 Time Limit: None |
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