R71 road to be closed for the Run 4 Cancer Marathon in Polokwane

The R71 road between ZCC St. Engenas turn-off and Polokwane will be closed between 05:00 and 13:00 on Saturday for the Run 4 Cancer Ultra Marathon.

The Marathon will return after a two-year break due to Covid-19 with over 10 000 professional and social runners expected to participate.

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The Marathon will begin at Boyne, just after Moria and ends at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo. It consists of the 10km, 21km, 32km and 48km races.

In a statement on Friday, the Department of Roads and Transport issued an alert to road users about the road closure.

SOME ROADS, INCLUDING R71, WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE RUN 4 CANCER ULTRA MARATHON

“Road users are informed of the closure of the R71 road between 05h00 and 13h00 on Saturday, 28 October 2023, for the Run 4 Cancer Ultra Marathon.

R71 will be completely closed for 30 minutes from 05h00 in the morning between Steven Lumber Mills/ Veekraal and ZCC St. Engenas turn off,” read the statement.

“One way will be used by runners from the ZCC St. Engenas turn-off to Polokwane. The other lanes will be used as a two-way road for motorists.

“All major intersections will be under traffic control for the safety of all road users. Motorists are advised to be on high alert and adhere to the directives of traffic law enforcement officers.”

Meanwhile, MEC for Sport Arts and Culture Nakedi Kekana has also urged communities to take part in the Marathon.

“We are looking to promote social cohesion. Wherein the young and old, from all ethnic groups, gather for a common course through active recreation. At the same time, promoting nation building,” she said.

Event organizers have also named all the medals to Comrades Marathon’s oldest runner Johannes Mosehla. The 81-year-old is also expected to be part of the Marathon.