The inaugural Momentum Multiply SportSA 10km and 5 km Run on Saturday, 4 May in Paarl promises to become a popular addition to the Western Cape and National Road Running calendar.
“We are very excited to host a race that takes you through the heart of picturesque Paarl. The fact that is was sold out so quickly in it’s first year shows there is a need for such an event in this area,” says Junaid Moerat, from SportSA.
“What makes this event unique is that it is run in the late afternoon before sunset. Besides the many special prizes up for grabs, we are offering prize money in the 10km as well as the 5km.
The 5km starts at 16:45 and the 10km at 16:30.
“Since last year World Athletics and Athletics South Africa have started to recognize the 5km as an official distance. The 5km will therefore not just be a Fun Run, because it will attract all the top runners and the prize money will provide an incentive especially for the junior athletes to run fast times,” explained Moerat.
The 5km and 10km route is set against the backdrop of Paarl Mountain and offers runners the opportunity to pass by some of Paarl’s most iconic landscapes and diverse scenery.
Starting at Courtrai Primary School, runners will head towards the Main Road where they will embrace the town’s historical charm as they pass by quaint Cape Dutch architecture, home to popular local establishments and neighbourhoods.
Once runners approach KWV, the 10km runners will continue along Main Road whereas the 5km runners will turn right onto Concordia Street and follow the bend, which will take them through the residing neighbourhood.
This will then loop them onto the Berg River Boulevard where they will reach their halfway water point which will then take them up towards Main Road and back to Courtrai to finish. The 10km runners will turn right at the Berg River Boulevard traffic light where they will be able to take in the scenic views of the tranquil Berg River and stop for hydration at the 2.5km water point.
They will then continue all the way along the Berg River Boulevard until they approach Paarl Boys Primary, one of the oldest schools in South Africa. Runners will then turn left onto Devine Street, which will take them back to Main Road. They will then turn right onto Main Road towards Market Street where they will turn right towards the traffic circle.
The gradual downhill at Market Street will take runners past Paarl Library for their second water point at the 5km mark. As they approach the traffic circle, runners will run through the gravel area opposite the police station, cross at the Paarl Boys Primary intersection, which will loop them back onto the opposite side of the Berg River Boulevard where they will continue straight.
Runners will then approach the 7.5km water point towards the top of the boulevard. Thereafter, they will turn left onto Main Road for a strong, flat finish back to Courtrai Primary.
Participants are encouraged to bring along their families to join in the festive atmosphere and are advised to come early to enjoy the delicious food on offer from a variety of vendors.
Besides all the prizes up for grabs at the prizegiving after the race, all participants will get the following:
Free goodie bags and SportSA R1000/R500* running shoe vouchers with every entry. 👟 Seven major running shoe brands (Puma, adidas, Asics, Hoka, Under Armour, Brooks and Saucony) will be available for demo; 🧦 Free pair of SOX;🏆 100K in prizes; 😎 VIP Tent; 🎉 DJ and route entertainment.
Click here for Route Map and detailed Route Description.
