One of the country’s most anticipated running events, the Wally Hayward Marathon – is celebrating its 46th anniversary this year – a testament to the enduring legacy of one of South Africa’s most enigmatic athletes.
One of the country’s most anticipated running events, the Wally Hayward Marathon – is celebrating its 46th anniversary this year – a testament to the enduring legacy of one of South Africa’s most enigmatic athletes. The race; set to take place on 1 May 2023 from the Centurion Rugby Club, will serve as the last qualifier before the Comrades Marathon in June 2023. Entries are officially open, so runners up for the challenge should head online to enter now.
Welcoming runners to register for the event is Ms Betty Dube, Executive Head of Brand and Marketing at Miway, who says that this year’s event will attract a record-large turnout of participants across all age groups and levels of fitness. “The Wally Hayward Marathon is a race for everyone, and celebrates the ability of sporting events to bring people together, unite people behind a common cause and promote a culture of health and wellbeing for all South Africans.”
Dube goes on to say that this year also marks the 8th year of the marathon’s partnership with Miway, and since coming on board as the title sponsor of “The Wally,” in 2016, the race has grown in numbers, attracting running enthusiasts from across the country in honour of Wally Hayward’s contribution to the sport. “We are delighted to partner with the marathon for another year as it encourages South Africans to live healthy lives in a way that suits them – this reinforces our commitment to helping our people “live your way”, says Dube.
This year, the Miway Wally Hayward Marathon will host a 42.2km event that will set off from the Centurion Rugby Club. Representatives from the Comrades Marathon will be present at the finish line on race day to receive runners’ qualification information.
There is also a 21.1km and 10km route, with the latter kicking off a half an hour after the start of the full and half marathons. This will be followed by the start of the 4.9km race and the 1km Kiddies Dash which will take place at 9am.
The marathon is also thrilled to announce the new gender-neutral race rewards. Each of the first-place finishers in the 42.2 km event, men and women, will get R15 000. The second-and third-place finishers in both genders will receive R7 500 and R3 750, respectively. The first-place man and woman in the 21.1 km event will win R6 000, while the second-and third-place men and women will receive R3 750 and R2 125, respectively.
Francois Jordaan, Miway Wally Hayward Marathon Race Director, says: “After years of turmoil, we are so excited to welcome back a full field of runners this year, and be able to paint the streets of Centurion cerise once more. A new and improved route, recently measured and certified, is sure to appeal to runners, especially the swift descent in the final few kilometres. You can be sure that my team and I went above and beyond this year to make this an event to truly remember and enjoy. We can’t wait to host you all on the 1st of May 2023.”
Dube concludes: “As the proud title sponsor of ‘The Wally,’ we hope to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that foster a healthy, balanced lifestyle and enable other to live their way. We look forward to welcoming this year’s participants and being part of the energy and excitement of race day, including our youngest runners with a 1km Race.”
Online registrations for the marathon close on 20 April 2023 so enter now. More race information can be found at www.wally.co.za.
