The best of the best among SA’s top athletes will engage in a virtual battle when 20 Elite Invitational and 21 wildcard entries will run the Sanlam Cape Town Virtual Marathon, simultaneously, along three pre-designed routes in Cape Town, Pretoria and Potchefstroom.

The inclusion of what is undoubtedly the best field seen in any South African marathon is a dream come true for the event organisers and comes after consultation with and approval of Athletics South Africa.

“Never before has a South African elite field been so strong, and for the first time ever the Cape Town Marathon will see Olympians competing against the best ultramarathon, half marathon and cross country runners,” says race ambassador Elana Meyer.

“The men’s field includes legends like Stephen Mokoka, Elroy Gelant, Bongmusa Mthembu and Edward Mothibi, while the Phalula twins, Cornelia Joubert, Tanith Maxwell, Jenna Challenor, Charne Bosman, Sanelisiwe Mbanjwa and Ann Ashworth will be among the star-studded women’s field. We are also thrilled to welcome SA’s highest-ranked trail runner, Meg Mackenzie, who will make her running debut in Cape Town.

“Add to this, the unique format of running virtually across three cities, and we’re set for one of the most thrilling showdowns in recent history.”

With the recent cancellation of the half marathon world champs, scheduled to take place in Poland in October, Joel Mmone and Collen Mulaudzi have been included as wildcard entries. Mulaudzi, who trains with Mokoka, and Mmone count as two of the most promising South African marathon athletes, boasting half marathon times of 62:03 and 61:22 respectively.

In another first, the Cape Town Marathon will be broadcast live on SABC 2 between 06h00 and 09h30 on 18 October. This is the first time in history that a virtual marathon is broadcast live on TV.

According to Cape Town Virtual Marathon race director, Renee Jordaan, camera crews will follow the Elite Invitational run on the three respective routes, while the broadcast itself will also include a host of human interest stories and virtual race updates from across the globe.

In addition, Dr Ross Tucker will provide expert insights in-studio – commenting on athletes’ performance at different altitudes and weather conditions, as well as the challenges of not being able to see one another as one would in a traditional road race.

SABC Sport General Manager, Gary Rathbone added, “We are very excited about this year’s Cape Town Virtual Marathon. It will be the first time that we bring a virtual race of the sport loved by so many, and that has produced many great athletes and champions. With the challenges brought along by Covid-19 pandemic, this presented a perfect opportunity for SABC Sport to use its production experience of many decades, combined with the new age technology, to enable our viewers to be part of the race from the comfort of their homes. The race will also be available on the SABC Sport portal, allowing the runners themselves to follow live the race which they are running in, providing total viewing satisfaction.”

With just over 50 days to go, Cape Town Virtual Marathon entries continue to pour in from all corners of the world. Runners can be a part of it by entering the marathon, half marathon, or 10km / 5km Peace Runs at www.capetownmarathon.com.

Elite Invitational & Wildcard Athletes Per City – All Running The Marathon

Cape Town

Elite Invitational: Men

• Melikhaya Frans – Ikhamvana AC
• Bongmusa Mthembu – Arthur Ford

Elite Invitational: Women

• Jenna Challenor – Murray and Roberts
• Tanith Maxwell – Boxer
• Sanelisiwe Mbanjwa – Nedbank
• Megan Mackenzi – Salomon

Wildcard: Men

• Lindikhaya Mthangayi – Nedbank
• Sithembiso Mqhele – Murray and Roberts/li>
• Thobane Chagwe – Entsika
• Msawenkosi Mthalane – Entsika

Wildcard: Women

• Janie Grundling – Murray and Roberts
• Bulelwa Simae – Boxer
• Danette Smith Walley – Murray and Roberts
• Madelené du Plessis – Nedbank

Pretoria

Elite Invitational: Men

• Philemon Mathiba – Nedbank
• Sibusiso Nzima – Nedbank
• Philani Buthelezi – Murray and Roberts

Elite Invitational: Women

• Charne Bosman – Murray and Roberts

Wildcard: Men

• Sibabalwe Gladwin Mzazi – Boxer
• David Manja – Nedbank
• Kabelo Melamu – Murray and Roberts
• Pharson Magagane – Entsika
• Thandokwakhe Ngcobo – Entsika
• Charles Mkhonto – Entsika

Wildcard: Women

• Yolande Maclean – Murray and Roberts
• Caroline Josten – Murray and Roberts
• Chrizelle Roberts – Nedbank
• Enie Manzini – Massmart

Potchefstroom

Elite Invitational: Men

• Stephen Mokoka – Boxer
• Elroy Gelant – Boxer
• Omphemetse Edward Mothibi – Nedbank
• Jeremia Moshwetsi – Impala
• Tumelo Motlagale – Boxer

Elite Invitational: Women

• Ann Ashworth – Massmart
• Cornelia Joubert – Boxer
• Vicky Hansen – Massmart
• Lebogang Phalula – Boxer
• Lebo Phalula – Boxer

Wildcard: Men

• Joel Mmone – Nedbank
• Collen Mulaudzi – Boxer

Wildcard: Women

• Melinda Jansen van Rensburg – Massmart

Run Your Way To Marathon Glory in 16 Weeks https://www.runnersworld.co.za/training-plans/run-your-way-to-marathon-glory-in-16-weeks/

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