Message from the Race Director
Message from Balwin Sport
As the new title sponsor of the Jeppe , Cape Peninsula , Phobians Pretoria and Dolphin Coast marathons , we can ’ t wait for the season to start ! All these marathons are Comrades qualifiers , with the first three races being Two Oceans qualifiers .
The vision of Balwin Sport is to promote a healthier lifestyle among clients , staff , and all South Africans . To achieve this , we will invest several million Rand annually for the next 10 years in South African road running and other sports , with benefits flowing down from club level into supporting underprivileged and development runners .
In celebration of the inaugural Balwin Sport Marathon Series , runners / walkers over any of the title event distances ( 5km , 10km , 21.1km , or 42.2km ) can qualify to win a fully furnished Balwin apartment valued at R800 000 when they visit one of our show apartments at any time after completing their chosen races ! Participants can also boost their chances of winning by visiting the various developments countrywide more often until the end of August 2024 .
The Balwin Sport Dolphin Coast Marathon is the final leg of the unique Balwin Sport Marathon Series . Exciting news for the runners is that this year , the original course is back with the Marathon starting in Ballito , the half Marathon at Sibaya Casino and the 10km at the Virginia Sports Ground . This much-loved route has been welcomed back by the runners , who consistently rate the event as their preferred Comrades qualifier . Running down the M4 Coastal highway , affords the runners some stunning view of the Dolphin Coast with the Indian Ocean as the backdrop to the race .
The race , hosted by Dolphin Coast Striders , prides itself on having some of the very best water points in South Africa . The water points are sponsored by local businesses , and they go to extremes to ensure that the runners have the very best possible experience out on the road . Ensuring that the Coke and water is cold and efficiently handed out , is one of the key criteria of the water point organisation . The race awards a substantial cash prize to the best water point , and this will normally go to the water point with the most vibe . However , the water point is not even in the running for the prize unless they do a meticulous clean up of the M4 for the three kilometres to the next point .
In addition to the grand prize , the first 4 000 entries in each of the races will receive a quality goody bag and T-shirt as part of their entry . There are also finishers medals and free digital race photos for all participants .
It has been a great privilege to work with a fantastic team of Race Directors across these events . Their dedication and that of their committees and club members ensure that the Balwin Sport Marathon Series adds maximum value to runners from around the country . The support from the Balwin Family has also been astounding !
We look forward to meeting new friends and seeing our colleagues out there , continuing on their journeys to maintain and improve their health and enjoyment of exercise with their families and co-workers .
I wish all athletes , especially those preparing for their ultra marathons later in the year , an exceptional running season and we look forward to seeing you on the road .
Ryan Kalk
MD of Balwin Sport and National Sales Manager of Balwin Properties
The races all finish at the Amphitheatre on the iconic Durban Promenade . The last 2kilometers of the route , are on the Promenade and the runners are welcomed home to a finish venue full of atmosphere and charged with the emotion of runner ’ s achieving PB ’ s , doing novice runs , qualifying for Comrades or just beating the gun . The finish venue features ample club tent sites , medical facilities , complimentary chiropractic massages , the finish water point and a range of food and beverage vendors .
Magnificent moisture management race shirts are given to the first 4000 entries and all entrants receive a goody bag . Free race photos from Action Photo S . A are sponsored by Balwin Sport . Medals are awarded to all finishers and there is high drama as the last runner is escorted down the Promenade by the Promenade marshals from Dolphin Coast Striders . With a rich history spanning some 35years , the Dolphin Coast Marathon sponsored by Balwin Sport consistently achieves an extremely high standard of race organisation making it one of the best value for money propositions on the South African road racing calendar .
Barry Holland
Race Director
4 Balwin Dolphin Coast Marathon 2024