31st Meiringspoort Marathon this weekend: Route changed due to flood damage

DE RUST NEWS - Despite Meiringspoort remaining closed due to flood damage, the 31st Optimum Meiringspoort Marathon will go ahead as planned on Saturday 10 October.

However, the route has had to be changed at short notice after recent rain left parts of the Middelplaas gravel road, which originally formed part of the route, underwater.

According to the organisers, the race will now take place along the Uniondale Road (R341), a tarred road.

Although the new route may prove more challenging, the organisers say they will still strive to provide participants with an unforgettable experience. Cut-off times will also not be strictly enforced.

As in previous years, participants will be transported to the various starting points. The finish will remain at the Dutch Reformed (DR) Church grounds in De Rust.

The Fees Marathon Market will once again be held at the church hall, offering food and refreshments to participants and visitors on Friday and Saturday.

The Fees Marathon Market will once again be held at the church hall.

Registration

All participants must register at the DR Church grounds in De Rust.

Registration for both the 12.5km and 21.1km races will take place from 11:00 to 21:00 on Friday 9 October and 04:30 to 05:30 on Saturday 10 October.

Transport

Transport will be from 04:45 to 05:30.

2.5km: Transport will leave from Le Roux Street in front of the church
21.1km: Transport will leave from Schoeman Street in front of the hotel.

Starting times

12.5km: 07:00
21.1km: 07:15

Prize-giving

The prize-giving ceremony will take place at the DR Church Hall in De Rust at 11:00.

Athletes are responsible for collecting their prize money or making alternative arrangements with the event organiser.

If no arrangements are made, the prize money will be forfeited in accordance with ASA Rules 2.8 and 2.10. Any unclaimed prize money for which no alternative arrangement has been made will be donated to a charity of the event organiser's choice.

Parking

Due to traffic management measures in central De Rust, certain roads around the event venue will be closed on race day. Parking will no longer be available behind the old church hall. Instead, designated parking will be available on the town's old rugby field.

Motorists travelling from Oudtshoorn should take the first turn on the right towards the Astron Garage.

Clear signage and directions will be provided, and adequate security will be in place. Please allow extra time to find parking and make your way to the venue.