The Leon Bezuidenhout Springbok Stick Race will be presented for the 17th time on Saturday at the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria.
The race with its distinctive character, challenging bumps and heritage is regularly named as one of the country’s best races on various running forums. It is an institution on the sports calendar of the city of Jakaranda and is synonymous with the fly-by of Harvard fighter jets and a deafening cannon shot that announces the start of the race.
Then the historic race takes participants past landmarks such as the Ringwall of the Voortrekker Monument, Fort Schanskop, the Amphitheater and the Wall of Remembrance.
Athletes will have to deal with every running terrain imaginable – from steep bumps to sharp turns and loose rocks.
The race, which is presented by the Voortrekkermonument Running and Walking Club (in collaboration with AfriForum), aims to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of the South African army every year.
This year, the life of the race founder, Leon Bezuidenhout, is commemorated. He died unexpectedly in August 2020 and each participant will receive a unique Leon Bezuidenhout medal.
- Date: 15 July 2023
- Distances: 21 km, 10 km and 5 km
- Start times: 21 km and 10 km (07:30), 5 km (07:40)
- Entry fee: R140 (21 km), R120 (10 km) and R60 (5 km)
- A novelty this year is that participants may also register on the morning of the race at the Voortrekker Monument (between 05:00 and 07:00).
- This is a green race and participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
- For more information visit facebook.com/vtmklub or call 064 582 6664.
