South Africa is a diverse destination with so much to offer. As such, it welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists every year who have the sole purpose of viewing or participating in a specific sporting event. Some of these competitions promise coveted prizes, while others secure respect within the sporting world.
These major sporting events include:
The Spec-Savers Ironman™
The Spec-Savers Ironman™ is a triathlon that takes place in Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay. This gruelling race, usually in or around April, involves a 3.8 kilometre swim, a 180 kilometre cycle and a 42.2 kilometre run. The winner receives the title of “Ironman” and is well respected across the sporting disciplines for their strength and endurance. This competition first started in Hawaii in 1978 and has grown to 20 Ironman™ events all over the world. Its South African history dates back to 2004.
The Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour™
The Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour™, based in Cape Town, is the largest timed cycling event in the world. It requires an enormous amount of preparation and infrastructure, and the Mother City, as Cape Town is affectionately known, has grown with the race to become the perfect host. Often simply referred to as The Argus, this race is 109 kilometres long and is performed by more than 35 000 cyclists from all over the world. The Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour™ is a non-profit event, and all of the funds generated are donated to charities.
The Comrades Marathon™
The Comrades Marathon™, dating back as far as 1921, takes place in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. At 90 kilometres in length, it is known as an ultra-marathon (that is, longer than an average marathon of 42.2 kilometres). The course of The Comrades Marathon™ includes five challenging hills; 1) Cowies Hill, 2) Field’s Hill, 3) Botha’s Hill, 4) Inchanga and 5) Polly Shortts. As its name implies, this marathon is completely different in that it is focussed on camaraderie and the mutual help of the participants. For this reason, it is often quite an emotional experience, both for the runners and for the spectators.
The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon™
Dubbed by many as “the world’s most beautiful marathon”, this test of endurance occurs in and around Cape Town on the Easter Weekend of every year. It is called “Two Oceans” because it is run along the point at which the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean meet, providing exquisite views. This race was first held in 1970, is 56 kilometres long, and comprises of around 26 000 participants every year.
The Vodacom Durban July™
Horse-lovers and those interesting in betting unite in KwaZulu Natal every year to enjoy this thoroughbred horse racing tournament. This esteemed event has been held since 1897 and is 2 200 metres (or 11 furlongs) long. The Vodacom Durban July™ attracts many celebrities, and encourages all in attendance to don their most beautiful and even outlandish designer wear, guaranteeing an entertaining spectacle.
The Billabong Pro™
Since its humble beginnings in 1981, the Billabong Pro™ has been recognised as a World Qualifying Series in the ASP World Tour™. This surfing competition is held in Jeffrey’s Bay in the Eastern Cape, and sees the world’s most respected surfers showing off their skills on impressive waves. To cater to the influx of visitors, an entire festival has been established around the tournament, which attracts young and old alike to this small surfing Mecca along the South African coastline.
Photo Credit: Mila Zinkova
