The third edition of the Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers 50-kilometre ultra-marathon will be held in Gqeberha on 26 February 2023.
The exclusive race will once again welcome top-tier elite runners and renowned industry names.
In partnership with title sponsors, Nedbank, the 50-km race will be hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Eastern Province Athletics.
The Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers ultra-marathon has been awarded gold status by the International Association of Ultrarunners and Elite label status by World Athletics for 2023.
“By virtue of this prestigious status, the event is now recognized by WA and the IAU as one of the leading ultra-marathon events in the world. For a race to achieve this accolade after only two years is testament to the hard work and support from the entire race office team, volunteers and our amazing sponsors,” said Nick Bester, Race Director and Managing Director of Nick B Sport.
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To date, the ultra-marathon has witnessed two world record times in the men’s race, one in the women’s race, four world best age group times, and two continental records. Organisers are hoping for another world record in 2023.
Besides the opportunity to set new records, athletes will be rewarded financially for their performances with a generous total prize purse of R1 million and Nike vouchers valued at R120 000.
Nedbank has been a proud supporter of running for decades and with a three-year partnership now penned with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the success of this event has set a high benchmark for road running in South Africa.
“We’re so excited to see some of the greatest runners compete in this prestigious event and the prospect of a new world record makes it an unmissable event. We’re proud to be able to bring this event to South Africa as we remain a committed supporter and sponsor of road running in South Africa,” said Tobie Badenhorst, Head of Group Sponsorships and Cause Marketing at Nedbank.
Current Comrades marathon champion and Nedbank Running Club elite athlete, Tete Dijana, who also finished second in this year’s Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers 50km ultra-marathon, has confirmed his participation, along with 2021 Comrades champion, Edward Mothibe.
Current Comrades runner-up, Dominika Stelmach, will be heading up the women`s field with 2022 Swedish marathon champion, Hanna Lindholm, who boasts a best marathon time of 2:28.
Follow the #NedbankRunified conversation on Nedbank’s social media platforms for more information on Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers, which will be broadcast live on SuperSport and SABC.
The race will be limited to a field of 300 entries. Elite runners and competitive age group athletes who wish to compete in the Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers 50km ultra-marathon, need to submit their CV to nbsport@lantic.net and nickb@lantic.net before 16 January 2023. Qualifying athletes will receive an invite and voucher to enter online at easyreg.co.za website.
The Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers 50km race is an official Comrades qualifying race.
