The marathon route is two laps of the half marathon event. Known as the ‘marathon of choice’, this is a gentle user-friendly route through Pietermaritzburg, the historic old part, and over the Umsinduzi River at the Ernie Pearce Weir. It is a race characterised by gentle climbing and good long downhills. The second half of each lap is easier than the first and allows you to make up time. The race first passes the famous schools of Maritzburg College and Girls' High as you run through the new suburb of Bisley, past the nature reserve, past Pietermaritzburg Airport and back into Scottsville through the Natal University Campus.
The second part of the lap loops out into Hayfields and down past another famous girls’ school, St John's DSG. Here the road passes the new Golden Horse Casino at the Gold Circle Scottsville Race Route. On the way back to the finish, you cross the river once again and run back to the Drill Hall past the Merchiston and Longmarket Schools.
FACILITES
The Saturday registration boasts fun runs and an expo. There is a KidZone so you can safely leave your children for a while. There is a lot of entertainment on offer as well as food and drink stands.
PRIZES AND GIVE-AWAYS
Cash prizes go to category winners. T-shirts go to all entrants and medals go to all finishers within the respective time limits. Runners receive a permanent number after completing the marathon five times. There are lucky draw prizes.