Jeppe Marathon Digimag Jeppe Marathon Digimag | Page 6

THE RACE ON YOUR MARKS... GET SET... JEPPE! The fantastic Jeppe Marathon is arguably one of the best races on the Gauteng calendar. In fact, when talking about this race, people have been heard not only throwing around phrases like “the gem of the Central Gauteng calendar,” but also “the perfect kick in the backside after the festive season,” and “as much fun as I’ve ever had with my running shoes on!” T he race is also a popular choice amongst ultra runners as a qualifying marathon ahead of the Two Oceans or Comrades Marathons, with an undulating two-lap route that challenges runners while also offering the opportunity to post good times. The lap kicks off with a tough rolling first 10 kilometres, while the second half of the lap runs through Bedfordview, with several small inclines between the 14km and 17km markers. That is followed by a fast downhill run past Gilooly’s in the last few kays – always a relief for sore and weary legs – but don’t get too carried away, because there is a short sharp climb in the last kilometre, just before the finish. (Also take note that the marathon incorporates three short detours in the second lap to make up the distance, so the second lap is not a direct replica of the first.) The beauty of a two-lap course is that it allows runners to pace themselves in the first round, then take on the second half of the race knowing exactly what to expect. Overall, this marathon course is designed to get you the seeding you want. And here’s something else to keep in mind: This year’s Jeppe Marathon is one of your last chances, without leaving Gauteng, to qualify for the Two Oceans Ultra. Something for Everyone This is actually a four-in-one event, with various distances on offer. Besides the marathon, we have a fantastic half marathon that does one lap of the marathon route, and we also have our 8km and 4km fun runs. Also, with this being a race for the whole 6 Jeppe Marathon | 9 February 2020 family, the 4 to 10-year-olds are also catered for. They can come down and enjoy a mini marathon on the school sport fields at 09h00, while mom or dad take part in the main events. Entries are available online or on the day at R50 per entry. So there really is something for everyone at this event! Now race organising is no easy task, it takes a lot of planning to make sure the runner has a great experience! Jeppe Quondam Athletics Club is full of runners who know what a good running experience is, having run many big races themselves, and that is exactly what we offer you when you run the Jeppe Marathon, a fantastic experience from start to finish! Our team has been working hard behind the scenes to make sure your every need is catered for on race day, and we look forward to welcoming you to the start line on Sunday 9 February. We will once again be hosted at the amazing Saheti School, just off Linksfield, which means two things: Plenty of parking and an easy route to the start of the race! Our experienced marshals will get you parked quickly, and making your way to the start is as easy as counting one, two, three! The finish venue also has plenty of space for your club tent, and we have plenty of amazing vendors waiting to feed you amazing food after an amazing run! Ready to Run? All the essential info you need to know is contained in this official race digi-mag, so read on and start getting your mind ready for your run. This is a race that deserves its great reputation, and you’re in for a great day’s running! LOOKING BACK AT 2019 Here’s how the top runners fared in the 2019 Jeppe Marathon, Half Marathon, 8km & 4km. Marathon Open Men 1 Leswene Africa Mailola (Nedbank) 2:25:09 2 Admire Muzopambwa (Legends) 2:31:32 3 Professor Ncube (Bedfordview) 2:34:27 Veteran Men 1 Mthetho Jomo Mntungwa (Pirates) 2:35:19 2 Zwelakhe Mkorwana (Anglo American) 2:36:01 3 Mafika Ngidi (Soweto) 2:36:51 Master Men 1 Takalani Godrich Peter Masia (RAC) 2:38:10 2 George Rapule Mooi (Gallopers) 2:46:19 3 Ronald Shibiri (Anglo American) 2:56:54 Grandmaster Men 1 Josias Makoro (Boksburg) 3:19:39 2 Lazarus Ratsoma (Soweto Cabal) 3:22:13 3 Gideon Radebe (Anglo American) 3:25:24 Open Women 1 Cornelia Joubert (Boxer) 2:48:20 2 Carla Natalia Molinaro (Nedbank) 2:59:44 3 Estie Steyn (Run Zone) 3:17:19 Veteran Women 1 Maria Vilakazi (Fitness From Africa) 3:18:37 2 Clara Betton (Sunninghill) 3:26:58 3 Martine Baker (RAC) 3:38:55