By: Matshidiso Selebeleng

A whopping R1.2 million is up for grabs at the inaugural Diamonds and Dorings Kimberly Big Hole Marathon launched on Monday at the Mittah Sperepere Convention Centre by North ern Cape Premier Zamani Saul. The marathon is set to take place on 22 Novem ber and will feature several race categories, 5km, 10km, 21,1km, and 42,2km. The Northern Cape Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Athletics Griqualand West Federation has come into partnership to form the second largest marathon in the country after the Comrades marathon. Speaking at the launch, Saul, said that it is not a coincidence that the marathon is launched a day before the end of Heritage Month. “Sports has a unique ability to transcend our cul tural, racial, and linguistic differences. It gives us a sense of belonging while serving as a common unifier. “The only time you can see how united South Af ricans are is at a sports event, this is the only time we assert our South African-ness and forget about any other second identity,” said Saul. He said sports play a critical role in unifying the nation because it fosters cohesion, peace, and de velopment which contributes to creating a vibrant heritage. He also said the Diamonds and Dorings Kimberly Big Hole Marathon passes some of the iconic sites in Kimberly, which speaks to the province’s herit age. Also attending the launch was Executive May or of the Sol Plaatjie Municipality, Martha Bartlett, who said that the marathon is not just about kilom eters and medals, but it is a celebration of the resil ience of the heritage of a community and progress. “From the 5km fun run to the grueling 42,2km marathon, every stride taken on this route will tell the story of our province’s commitment to health and development,” she said. Amongst other guests was the President of Ath letics South Africa, James Moloi who said that they will be there to support runners. “I wish this could be an annual race, but we will do our best as the ASA to give our support, and we will also bring some of our top athletes. “ I would also like to give assurance that may be after next year, this race will be a South African championship,” he said. Moloi said South Africa has 1.8 million registered athletes and that it shows that the country has sup port for good health. The runners who will receive payments are those who will come in positions one to ten. For the 42km both male and female will win R200 000 each. For 21.1km both male and female will receive R50 000, for 10km winners will receive R10 000, and for 5km winners will receive R5000 each. Registration for all four categories, 5km, 10km, 21,1km, and 42,2km, opened on 1 October. The starting point will be at Sol Plaatjie Univer sity and passing landmarks such as the Monument of the Dead, the Oppenheimer Garden, and the Northern Cape Legislature, among others. The fin ish line will be at the university’s sports ground.