CAPE TOWN - As many sporting events have been canceled or postponed due to the current pandemic, some events are looking at innovative and safe ways to keep it going.
One of these events would be the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon that is set to be held virtually on the 18 October via a mobile app.
The race can be attended by runners across the world in an immersive and interactive experience as the app superimposes the route wherever you are and uses live-tracking, distance markers and push messages about each virtual landmark as they are passed, said the Sanlam group in a statement.
“We are excited to introduce this digital offering. The app will track participants as if they are running the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon route – whether they find themselves in New York, Naples or Knysna – making this a virtual race like no other. I am certain that having a race on the horizon will give athletes a tangible goal to work towards, and the extra motivation needed to maintain their training within the parameters of the lockdown levels they may find themselves in,” said Francois Pienaar, Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Chairman.
Pienaar added, “While this is a significant challenge, it’s also the perfect time to be innovative, which is why we have reached out to and gained the support from our sponsors, partners and stakeholders to bring the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon to our global marathon family, no matter where they are.”
Tickets for the Virtual Marathon are now available on Webtickets and athletes who have already entered for the 2020 race will be transferred to the Virtual Race from June. All medals and certificates will be provided digitally.
The race is set be held 06:30 local time 18 October, however subject to change.
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