Road running has become one of the big local attractions. There has been a big spike in the sport recently, so much so that it now finds itself not far off the pace from the Soweto Derby, Durban July and the SA Music Awards - all the popular features on the domestic social calendar.
"Running caters for the masses and it offers even the casual runner an opportunity to participate," explains Athletics SA road running commission chairman James Moloi.
"It is not only about the elite athletes who vie for the main prize, because there are other offerings in the form of shorter distances such as the 10km, 5km fun runs. So we accommodate people of all sizes and shapes," added Moloi, himself an ardent runner.
"Running has become a bucket-list item - everyone wants to say 'I was there and I got the medal'," said Comrades Marathon race director Rowyn James.
"Also, most people are gearing towards a healthy lifestyle [and] running is a good stress reliever.
"It offers value for money. It is a cheap sport compared to other sports like golf. You don't need a team or a field [to participate in running]."
Already, entries to next year's Comrades have been sold out, all within three weeks after the registration opened on September 1, and it was set to close this month end.
The same applies to other flagship ultra-races, the Two Oceans and Om Die Dam marathons, which are also sold-out, long before the entry cut-off.
Just recently, Soweto Marathon organisers turned down 20000 people who were hoping to race in the popular township race a fortnight ago.
The organisers even consider expanding the entries from 25000 to 30000 next year, Soweto Marathon Trust chairman Sello Khunou told Sowetan recently.
Moloi also noted that more women were showing an interest in running.
This was backed up by the 3710 women that entered the 10km compared to 1771 men, and the 5347 females versus 4592 males in the 21km.
Running has become a bucket list item
Image: THULANI MBELE
Road running has become one of the big local attractions. There has been a big spike in the sport recently, so much so that it now finds itself not far off the pace from the Soweto Derby, Durban July and the SA Music Awards - all the popular features on the domestic social calendar.
"Running caters for the masses and it offers even the casual runner an opportunity to participate," explains Athletics SA road running commission chairman James Moloi.
"It is not only about the elite athletes who vie for the main prize, because there are other offerings in the form of shorter distances such as the 10km, 5km fun runs. So we accommodate people of all sizes and shapes," added Moloi, himself an ardent runner.
"Running has become a bucket-list item - everyone wants to say 'I was there and I got the medal'," said Comrades Marathon race director Rowyn James.
"Also, most people are gearing towards a healthy lifestyle [and] running is a good stress reliever.
"It offers value for money. It is a cheap sport compared to other sports like golf. You don't need a team or a field [to participate in running]."
Already, entries to next year's Comrades have been sold out, all within three weeks after the registration opened on September 1, and it was set to close this month end.
The same applies to other flagship ultra-races, the Two Oceans and Om Die Dam marathons, which are also sold-out, long before the entry cut-off.
Just recently, Soweto Marathon organisers turned down 20000 people who were hoping to race in the popular township race a fortnight ago.
The organisers even consider expanding the entries from 25000 to 30000 next year, Soweto Marathon Trust chairman Sello Khunou told Sowetan recently.
Moloi also noted that more women were showing an interest in running.
This was backed up by the 3710 women that entered the 10km compared to 1771 men, and the 5347 females versus 4592 males in the 21km.
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