Participants at the Kloppers Marathon can rest assured that they will be able to run at a good pace thanks to the the Free State (FS) Pacers taking the lead.
Claus Kempen, one of the organisers of the informal FS Pacers, says although there is currently no set standard for pace-setters, loosely-formed organisers across the country are working towards a more formalised structure.
“Being a pacer, especially in a big race like the Two Oceans and Comrades, is a huge responsibility. You can make or break someone’s race,” he says. “When it is done correctly, it is hugely rewarding to help runners achieve their goals.”
Kempen, who has been a pacer in Comrades ultra-marathons and is going to join the blind athlete Louzanne Coetzee as pacer at the Two Oceans Half Marathon on 14 April, is one of the organisers for specially-appointed pacers for the Kloppers Marathon on Saturday, 10 February.
The pacers for this weekend’s marathon will be Tankiso Seabo for the sub four-hour bus, Tumelo Motshabi (4:20), Teboho Lemao and Tefo Hlalele (4:35), Tumo Mokhatla (4:50), Dewald Fourie (5 hours), Lebo Mathatlho for the 21 km, and Magdaleen Kemp for the 10 km.
Wayne Beelders, organiser of this year’s marathon, says the run is taking place for the 33rd time.
“Apart from the 42,2 km, the 21,1 km and the 10 km-run, there will also be a fun run or walk of over 4,8 km. We want families and children to come and take part.”
Runners can also add an extra R50 to their entry fee to support the animal rescue organisation, New Beginnings.
Beelders says runners will criss-cross Bloemfontein from 05:30 when the marathon runners start, to around 12:00 when the last runners finish. Only Att Horak Street will be closed during the event, so motorists are asked to be mindful of runners in the streets.
The 10 km race will be the Free State Championships and runners from across the province are expected to take part.
This marathon is a qualifying event for the Comrades Ultra Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon.
The 21 km race will serve as a trial run for the selection of a Free State 42 km team.
Late entries can still be done today, from 17:00 to 20:00, and 9 February from 17:00 to 20:00 at the Achillies Running Club in Att Horak Street. Numbers can also be collected on these times as well as before the run start on Saturday at 05:30.
Dial 082-440-4229 for more information.
