Marathon fever abounds

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay and surrounds were abuzz this past weekend during the annual PetroSA Marathon.

This year, the marathon was in its 18th year, but hosted by SWD Athletics for the past six years only.

Commenting on the number of athletes participating, Mossel Bay Harriers stalwart road runner, Jacob Karelse, said that athletes came out in numbers this year.

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He said that the organisers should be pleased with the growth of the event. Karels did mention that the earlier starting time of the event, being 06:00 this year as opposed to 07:00, was something to get used to for the athletes.

Moses Gericke of SWD Athletics said that around 1 400 athletes participated in the event this year. The event comprises a 5km and 10kin fun run, as well as a 21km half and 42,2km full marathon.

Due to road works on the former route, the race now starts at Santos Beach, proceeds around the Point and winds its way down the R328 to around 21km outside of Hartenbos, before the turnaround point is reached.

"We have had no complaints from the athletes regarding the changed route, but we cannot say yet whether we will return to the old route. This is pending further discussions and also the completion of the roadworks," Gericke said upon enquiry.

"We did it."