Diamond Marathon marks 56th edition with March race in Kimberley

KIMBERLEY’S long-standing road running tradition will continue to keep runners on the road when the 56th edition of the Diamond Marathon takes place on Saturday, March 7.

The Diamond Marathon, widely regarded as one of the flattest and fastest races in the country, is among the largest marathons in the Northern Cape. First run in 1970, it is also the second-oldest marathon in South Africa, giving it a special place on the national running calendar.

The race will be hosted at St Patrick’s CBC in Belgravia, with access to the parking area from Du Toitspan Road. All three distances will start from the same venue, with the full marathon (42.2km) and half-marathon (21.1km) getting under way at 6am, followed by the 10km race at 6.15am.

Entries for the event are available online only, through the Quicket platform, with the closing date set for 11pm on Saturday, 28 February 28.

Organisers have confirmed that limited complimentary race T-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for online entrants. The first 120 runners to enter the 42.2km race will receive a complimentary T-shirt, along with the first 50 entrants in both the 21.1km and 10km events.

And remember, the race is also a Two Oceans and Comrades qualifier race.

The Diamond Marathon has built a reputation over decades for its fast course and consistent organisation, making it a popular choice for runners from across the province and beyond. And there’s little doubt that Kimberley’s runners will be keen to prove that they are masters of their own flat, fast trail.