The Matopos 33 Miler Ultra-Marathon - 13 April 2014
The Matopos 33 Miler was first run in 1963, along much the same route as being used today, and is the only ultra-marathon in Zimbabwe. The race starts in the magnificent Matobo National Park, in the heart of the Matobo Hills World Heritage Site. In the cool early morning light, the runners will wind deeper into the hills along the Circular Drive, no doubt startling a few klipspringer and possibly a rhino or two! They will pass around Malindidzimu, otherwise known as “Worlds View”, and then swing north before exiting the park and leaving the hills behind them. The remainder of the race sees the runners pass over from the Limpopo to the Zambezi escarpment, and then onto the City of Bulawayo. Avoiding the CBD, the race will finish at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), with athletes completing the 33 miles, or 53 km ultra-marathon.
The original Matopos 33 Miler was organised by the Raylton Rovers Running Club (RRRC), and was won by Mr Charlie Chase (Germiston, South Africa) in a time of 3hrs, 44 minutes and 56 seconds. Following the successful re-launch of this event in 2013, PPC Zimbabwe will again sponsor this truly historic marathon once again in 2014. In conjunction with the main ultra-marathon, a half marathon of 21 km’s, a relay (6 runners by 9km’s each) and a 5km Fun run, will also be run along the route, all finishing at NUST. Nearly 300 runners took part in 2013, with 20 sponsored water points en route. The race will be run in accordance with the regulations of the NAAZ.
The Matopos 33 Miler was first run in 1963, along much the same route as being used today, and is the only ultra-marathon in Zimbabwe. The race starts in the magnificent Matobo National Park, in the heart of the Matobo Hills World Heritage Site. In the cool early morning light, the runners will wind deeper into the hills along the Circular Drive, no doubt startling a few klipspringer and possibly a rhino or two! They will pass around Malindidzimu, otherwise known as “Worlds View”, and then swing north before exiting the park and leaving the hills behind them. The remainder of the race sees the runners pass over from the Limpopo to the Zambezi escarpment, and then onto the City of Bulawayo. Avoiding the CBD, the race will finish at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), with athletes completing the 33 miles, or 53 km ultra-marathon.
The original Matopos 33 Miler was organised by the Raylton Rovers Running Club (RRRC), and was won by Mr Charlie Chase (Germiston, South Africa) in a time of 3hrs, 44 minutes and 56 seconds. Following the successful re-launch of this event in 2013, PPC Zimbabwe will again sponsor this truly historic marathon once again in 2014. In conjunction with the main ultra-marathon, a half marathon of 21 km’s, a relay (6 runners by 9km’s each) and a 5km Fun run, will also be run along the route, all finishing at NUST. Nearly 300 runners took part in 2013, with 20 sponsored water points en route. The race will be run in accordance with the regulations of the NAAZ.
Entry Fee
$10 per runner 33 Miler and half marathon $5 per runner 5km Fun Run $30 per relay team Date Sunday 13th April, 2014. Starting Times 33 Miler 5:30am 33 Miler Relay 5:30am Half Marathon 7:00am Fun Run 8:00am |
Entry Dates
All entries close on the 31st March, 2014 Registration Saturday 12th April at 12:00pm to 5:00pm. PPC Zimbabwe, 126 JM Nkomo Street (Main Street)/ 13th Ave, Bulawayo For more info... click here |