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I’m not a Bon Jovi or I would caption this “Woah, we’re half way there”. The Stucky Motors table got a quick spring clean before this photo was taken. The pick of the tables was Amajuba Engineering who offered snacks, music and spare parts to weary runners. They are only topped, or aced, by Free State dairy farmers who drink Johnny Blue (but don’t do much farming). However, this table had sophisticated farmers who only drink Johnny Black. I was worried that the farmers would mix brandy with the Coke. At the Volksrust Marathon you can enjoy a kilo of rump steak. At most races you’re lucky to get a banana or jelly-baby at the tables. The marathon includes a tough, hilly and muddy off-road section that is like running 4km of cross country in the middle of a marathon. Great variety of snacks to choose from including jellybeans and droewors.
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The rain did not dampen the spirit of the support tables. The runners brave hypothermia while waiting for the race announcer to get them going. 600 Runners sheltering under the stadium. If you arrive in time you can enjoy dunking an Ouma rusk in your complimentary coffee. Some of the 600 entrants getting their numbers at registration. Volksrust turned 100 in 1989, I’m hoping to get to 100 Unique Marathons by April. Volksrust2023 Download 1km away from finishing marathon #174 and 91st different marathon. This sign seen during the #MielieMarathon in Welkom roughly translates as, “If you throw litter on my farm, I will make you dead with a lightning-bolt bitchslap!” Star Temp Suburbs Goldmine They take their #RunClean campaigns seriously in the Free State. Finish Start This is exactly what you want to see at the end of a marathon – a friendly face & some juicy, chilled watermelon🍉. Odendaalsrus Gold mine For a 25-hour day (or a 26-mile run). Welkom sign Cornfields Departing Odendaalsrus if you want some shade you have to get into the dog box). A hot arrival but a good haul at the Mielie Marathon. One of the race’s founders, Louis Massyn, well on his way to a 38th finish (and still making the most of hometown advantage). The race offers a permanent number to her regular customers and you can get some Comrades tips from local legend Louis Massyn (47 Comrades finishes) along the route.Ģ50km (2h30) drive from Joburg down the N1.įlyer (where available) Route Map Route Profile Mielie is a flat marathon through the Free State gold and cornfields. This will be the 44th running of the event (as such it is the oldest marathon in the States) and is a great pick for a fast January qualifier. The route is flat and the support tables are friendly. This is a fast, uncongested, single-lap marathon around the Free State’s second largest city.
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