Runners will descend on the the starting line for what promises to be the biggest edition yet of this increasingly popular event, with thousands expected to line up for a morning of road-running action.

Starting outside OFM’s offices in Christo Groenewald Street, the event caters for runners of all abilities, offering a challenging 42.2km marathon, a 21.1km half marathon, a 10km road race and a 5km fun run/walk.

There is plenty at stake for the serious distance runners, too. The marathon serves as an official Comrades Marathon qualifier and a Two Oceans Marathon seeding event, providing participants with an early opportunity to secure their qualification and seeding for two of South Africa’s biggest road-running spectacles next year.

Demand has been phenomenal, with the race officially selling out by Tuesday afternoon. However, those who thought they had missed out still have a window of opportunity, with organisers, Bloemfontein Achilles Running Club, successfully securing an additional 500 entries.

Wayne Beelders of Bloemfontein Achilles told OFM Sport that the tremendous response highlights just how much the event has grown since its inception four years ago.

While the prospect of a record turnout has organisers excited, Beelders cautioned that runners should not underestimate the course. The route through Bloemfontein’s northern suburbs might offer a relatively comfortable start, but the hills waiting in the second half could make for an uncomfortable finish.

“The Northridge Mall Marathon is a Comrades Marathon qualifier as well as a Two Oceans Marathon seeding event, giving runners an opportunity to qualify early for both races next year. We are extremely excited to host the event once again,” said Beelders.

“This is now the fourth year of the Northridge Mall Marathon, and it has grown from strength to strength. We started with around 800 entries in our inaugural year, before growing to almost 3,000 last year. We are expecting similar numbers this year. It is particularly encouraging to see the participation in the 10km and 5km races, as we continue to promote running and a healthy lifestyle.”

The marathon's northern route also gives participants a different perspective of Bloemfontein, taking them through areas that are not always part of the city's regular road-running calendar.

“The race takes place in the north of Bloemfontein, whereas many of our other events tend to head south. The northern suburbs have their own challenges, particularly with the hills in the final 10 to 15 kilometres.

“The marathon starts off relatively flat, but the second half is certainly more demanding. It is a great way to show that Bloemfontein is not quite as flat as everyone thinks. Runners can expect a few challenges along the route, including Milner Street, Lucas Steyn Street and Harry Smith Street, as well as the climbs in and out of Pentagon Park before making their way back to the mall.”

With the event continuing to attract growing support, Beelders was also quick to acknowledge the sponsors and volunteers who play a vital role in making race day possible.

“We are grateful to the mall and OFM for their continued support as our title sponsors, as well as Wild Olive Estate and Pick n Pay for coming on board.

“Without our sponsors and the support of our volunteers, an event of this nature simply would not be possible. It is fantastic to have everyone involved and to be able to bring the marathon to Bloemfontein once again this coming Saturday.

“We hope to see plenty of runners on the day. The forecast suggests it could be a hot one, so hopefully the conditions will be kind to everyone. We are certainly looking forward to another great Northridge Mall Marathon.”

For those still hoping to secure a spot on the starting line, late entries will be accepted at Northridge Mall until 20:00 on Friday, or until the additional 500 entries have been snapped up.

The marathon will get proceedings underway at 05:20, with the half marathon following at 05:40. The 10km race starts at 06:00, while participants in the 5km fun run/walk will set off at 07:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport