Thousands of keen runners enjoyed the scenic route of the 2024 Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon on Sunday, 27 October, which showcased the best of Amanzimtoti. This year, Brino Chidzungu (43) of South Coast Striders took the overall 42.2km title, with Lisa Collett winning the ladies’ division in the marathon, which was supported by Sapphire Coast Tourism and organisers, Amanzimtoti Athletics Club.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone who competed in this year’s Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon, and extend a heartfelt thanks to our Amanzimtoti Athletics Club members, the residents of Amanzimtoti, Sapphire Coast Tourism, our event sponsors – Suzuki Amanzimtoti and Hansa Safety Services – and the local municipality for making this another success,” said Lynette Botha of Amanzimtoti Athletics Club. “We had some 1 742 participants in this year’s early Comrades Marathon qualifier coming from all over the province and further afield. It’s a wonderful race and a great opportunity to showcase the beautiful Sapphire Coast!”
Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism achieved an impressive 2nd place finish in her third half-marathon, during which she raised awareness for the incredible initiative ‘Wheels on Waves’. Started by the father-and-son team, Wesley (43) and Reece Smith (18), Wheels on Waves provides disabled beach-goers with a specially formulated flotation device (Sandcruiser) that allows them to enjoy the water. This free service is part of a bigger aim to transform Amanzimtoti Main Beach into an internationally recognised tourism spot for the disabled.
Another member of Sapphire Coast Tourism and local resident, Malusi Mchunu (36) finished the marathon in 4 hours and 29 minutes. Commenting on the event, he said: The scenery was so beautiful, the city was clean – it was really great advertising for Amanzimtoti. The hills were quite difficult and the wind at Isipingo was working against us but it was well worth it. I’d recommend the race for anyone considering next year and for holidaymakers, this is a top destination.”
2024 Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon Race Results
42.2km Race: Men’s Results
1. Brino Chidzungu (43) from South Coast Striders: (02:29:14)
2. Nkosinathi Duma (37) from Faku Chiefs AC (02:31:28)
3. Mhlengi Khowane (35) from Dolphin Coast Striders (02:36:38)
42.2km Race: Women’s Results
1. Lisa Collett (47) from DHS Old Boys (03:22:32)
2. Estrelita Kotze (24) from Nedbank AC (03:28:44)
3. Charne Woodrup (27) from Dolphin Coast Striders (03:29:32)
21.1km Race: Men’s Results
1. Lindokuhle Zakhele (30) from Lovemore Brothers AC (01:10:32)
2. Simphiwe Zulu (47) from Hollywood AC (01:13:29)
3. Ditshwanelo Moloisane (21) from Orcas Academy (01:14:20)
21.1km Race: Women’s Results
1. Nokuthula Ntshangase (32) from Black Diamond (01:31:47)
2. Romy Wenzel (40) (01:32:49)
3. Manuela Diener (46) from Female Savages AC (01:37:04)
10km Race: Men’s Results
1. Brian Ontieri (22) from Lovemore Brothers AC (00:32:33)
2. Muzi Xolo (22) from Lovemore Brothers AC (00:33:50)
3. Sphelele Nhlumayo (22) from Lovemore Brothers AC (00:36:35)
10km Race: Women’s Results
1. Busisiwe Chamane (30) from Black Diamond (00:37:35)
2. Lethokuhle Letsoalo (41) from Hollywood AC (00:41:06)
3. Precious Duma (46) from Hollywood AC (00:48:59)
Get the full list of results HERE.
Sapphire Coast’s Tourism Sites and Activities
Sapphire Coast Tourism has so many family-friendly sites and activities on offer. There is also a wide range of accommodation options to choose from including 5-star hotels, luxury B&Bs, comfortable guesthouses, self-catering units, family resorts, as well as caravan and camping facilities just a stone’s throw from the beach! Some fun activities include:
• Amanzimtoti Main Beach which includes fun slides at Splash Water World, a variety of restaurants, takeaways, and shops with local traders selling beautiful crafts and curios along the promenade.
• Wheels on Waves ensure accessible tourism at Amanzimtoti Main Beach with disabled-friendly facilities such as the Sandcruiser floating chair. This service is offered free of charge but bookings are essential – contact Wesley Smith on 082 802 1348 or Reece on 066 439 8287 or email rollingwithreece@gmail.com.
• Charter boats for a day of deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, shark cage diving and/or snorkelling at Aliwal Shoal, a world-renowned dive site.
• Horse rides on the beach with experienced guides catering for a range of abilities.
• Crocworld Conservation Centre where the oldest known Nile crocodile in captivity lives – the world-famous Henry, as well as the newly launched aerial zipline Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures.
• Illovo River is another top spot for water sports, fishing, birding, and picnics.
• Umkomaas Golf Club or Amanzimtoti Country Club for a round on the 18-hole course or a drink or meal at the club.
• Nature walks, hikes and birdwatching are available with Nungwane Waterfalls in the heart of Umbululu a great attraction for nature lovers, whether experienced on horseback, 4×4, or mountain bike.
For more information about the Sapphire Coast, visit www.sapphirecoasttourism.co.za or the Sapphire Coast Tourism Facebook page.
To support Wheels on Waves or find out more, contact Wesley Smith on 082 802 1348 or Reece on 066 439 8287 or email rollingwithreece@gmail.com.
100% of all proceeds go towards the purchase of a Sandcruiser. For an EFT, send proof of payment to rollingwithreece@gmail.com. Please use the reference: Wheels on Waves or WoW.
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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Sapphire Coast Tourism.
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