Cameraderie has never been in short supply at the Madibaz George Forest Run.
A giant of South African distance running will return to his old stomping ground with the ambition of adding another Madibaz George Forest Run title to his resume next month.
Current Madibaz George Forest Run champion Selwyn Matthews, right, will be back to defend his title on 7 September. With him is 2023 runner-up and Nedbank Running Club SWD teammate Bernardo Fredericks.
Nedbank Running Club SWD’s Lloyd Bosman did not compete in last year’s event but confirmed that he would line up for the scenic 21.1km race at Mandela University’s George Campus rugby stadium on 7 September.
In his absence, teammate and good friend Selwyn Matthews pulled off an incredible double by winning both the Knysna Forest Marathon and George Forest Run with Discovery Vitality half marathons in 2023.
After galloping to the Knysna title in 1:04:17 in June, Bosman now has the chance to pull off a similar feat.
In 2022, the George local’s last outing at the varsity-hosted race, he pipped Matthews to the post in 1:10:47.
This means the stage is set for a blockbuster rematch.
“I am looking forward to it and happy to run it again,” Matthews, who also hails from the picturesque Garden Route city, said. “I love to be in the forest.”
The event rebranded last year to emphasise its woodland character. It was also the first time it partnered with Discovery Vitality to form part of the national Vitality Run Series.
Well over 400 athletes had lined up at Mandela University’s George Campus then and sports manager Siphesihle Jobo wanted to up that number to between 600 and 700 this time around.
A record turnout is expected at this year's Madibaz George Forest Run with Discovery Vitality.
He said the huge growth experienced from 2022, when 150 runners took to the start, was an indication of the George Forest Run’s rising profile.
With its ever-increasing status and growing prize purse, Jobo was confident that many of the Western and Eastern Cape’s top runners would be present.
Besides the 21.1km, 10km and 5km events, Vitality reward partner Virgin Active will present fun activations for young and old. Participants and spectators will also be able to top up with their favourite burger and coffee.
Organisers are accepting late entries at a R20 additional charge to cater for working people who are inclined to lace up their running shoes at the last minute.
These can be submitted at Sportsmans Warehouse in George between 1pm and 6pm on the Friday or at the venue on race day from 6.30am to 7.45am.
Normal entries can be submitted at www.aswd.co.za, Top Gear Sport or Sportsmans Warehouse until noon on September 4.
The entry fee is R30 for the 5km, R80 for the 10km (plus R45 for a one-day licence) and R100 for the 21.1km (plus licence).
Runners will be under starter’s orders from 8am.