In addition to celebrating its 3rd anniversary in 2019, the organisers of the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN are excited to announce that the event has been awarded the Bronze Label status by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
“We are proud to welcome the Bronze Label status for our second FNB Run Your City Series event, the first being the FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN that celebrated its 5th anniversary in May this year,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director Stillwater Sports. “Receiving this fantastic accolade for two events in the same year is no small feat. Being awarded this status for an event that is currently only in its 3rd year is equally impressive. It is a testament to the hard work and countless early mornings and late nights that were needed to ensure that we host a world-class event. As with the FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN and FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN, the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN pushes the boundaries in the sport of road running. The event features both an Elite Invitational Programme and mass participation element. All entrants are granted the opportunity to enjoy a journey through the magnificent city of Durban with the route highlighting iconic landmarks, while Durban’s leading performing arts groups ensure an on route experience like no other. Receiving the Bronze Label status has further motivated us to ensure that the 2019 FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN surpasses all expectations. We cannot wait to welcome runners to the start line on Sunday 13 October.”
“We are proud to receive the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Bronze Label status. This award signifies our commitment to contributing and ensuring that the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN is the most sought after race in the country. We would like to thank clients, families, athletes and running enthusiasts for their invaluable support and encourage everyone to participate in this exciting and much anticipated race,” says Bonga Sebesho, Head of Sponsorships at FNB.
According to Steve Mkasi, KZN Athletics, the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN is one of Durban’s most beautiful and dynamic races. “The event goes through many sectors of the city, giving athletes a true taste of diversity,” says Mkasi. “The course has proven to be fast. In 2018 Swiss sensation, Julien Wanders set a European record when he smashed Mo Farah’s 10km record (set in 2010), making him the fastest European of all time over 10km (at that time). Being awarded the IAAF Bronze Label status means that the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN meets international ‘race organising’ standards. Key features of a label event include: the impressive standard of athletes that it attracts (local and international), impressive performances and heightened media coverage. This, in turn, influences stakeholders: the City, sponsors and the sport. Our local athletes benefit from exposure to international athletes and competition. If this event happens on the correct day with perfect weather conditions, it has the potential to realise a world record. The Bronze Label status is just a stepping stone for the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN.”
The announcement that the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN has obtained Bronze Label status was met with approval from some of South Africa’s leading athletes. “Label status is really good for us,” says SA 10km and Half Marathon record holder, Stephen Mokoka. “The standard of running in South Africa has improved in the last couple of years because of the international competition being provided on home soil. Stillwater Sports must be congratulated for this.”
Elroy Gelant, SA record holder in the 5000m echoed Mokoka’s thoughts. “You know you have to run fast, especially in Durban, because you know that the races always bring out really good co Glenrose Xaba became only the third athlete to break 70 minutes when she ran 69:46 in Buenos Aires on 25 August. Only Elana Meyer and Colleen de Reuck have managed that feat. “It is really good that we get to race some of the best in the world here at home,” said Xaba. “I have a time in mind for Durban and I know that it can happen because of the competition that comes with a Label race.” Xaba has hinted she wants to break 32 minutes at the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN.
The FNB Run Your City Series consists of three events: the FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN (5th anniversary in 2019), FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN (4th anniversary in 2019) and FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN (3rd anniversary in 2019). Exhilarating mass participation road races, each event celebrates the splendour of its host city. Runners (and walkers) will be treated to a journey that will highlight iconic landmarks and feature lively performances on the route.
Over the short period of 5 years, the series has grown to over 40 000 runners in the three cities and has attained IAAF Bronze Label Status in two events. The Durban race is now chasing Gold Label Status. The significance of that cannot be underestimated. Label Status means that the FNB Run Your City Series will attract some of the best athletes in the world, which means that South Africa’s top athletes get to race the best on home soil. As a result, fast times will be recorded on the African Continent.
Over the past 5 years, the series has delivered compelling racing and fast times which will now be shared with the world through the process of a Livestream. The FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN will be live-streamed as was the Cape Town leg of the FNB Run Your City Series.
EVENT INFORMATION:
Event: FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN
Date: Sunday 13 October 2019
Venue: Start – Blue Lagoon (Athlone Drive) / Finish – Beachfront Precinct (near The Bike and Bean)
Charities: When entering online runners can choose to support one (or all five) of the event’s charities 1. The Reach For A Dream Foundation, 2. TREE, 3. Durban & Coast SPCA, 4. LIV Village and 5. iThemba Lethu.
Prize Purse: R250 000 / View the entire Prize Purse Breakdown here: http://bit.ly/2MHQ4fd
Website: www.durban10k.com
IN THE NEWS: The FNB Run Your City Series has implemented a Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Management Campaign that aims to drastically reduce the usage of single-use plastics by 85% at all three events. “The aim of the FNB Run Your City Series’ SUP Management Campaign is to drastically reduce the usage of single-use plastics by 85% at all three events. Our ultimate goal is to host a mass participation road running series that is plastic free,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director Stillwater Sports.
About the FNB Run Your City Series:
FNB is proud to once again bring you the FNB Run Your City Series which comprises of three unique mass participation events that integrate business involvement, family, diversity, investment in community, world class achievement and fun for all participants, both individuals and businesses alike.
Each of the races are developed to take participants through the historical routes around each city, thereby adding a tourism element to each race, making it more than a race but an economic opportunity for each community.
The FNB Run Your City Series is made up of three races around South Africa, namely, the FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN, the FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN and the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN.
For further information please visit www.runyourcityseries.com
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