By Palesa Mofoti and Khumo Makame
Registrations for the newly launched Diamonds and Dorings Kimberley Marathon set to be held in Kimberley in November, is lauded to already making a positive impact after attracting more than 500 registrations within the first week of registrations.
The R1.2 million worth marathon, that was launched by the Northern Cape premier Dr Zamani Saul in September, is set to attract a lot of investment and boost tourism in the province by the time it materialise on 22 November 2025.
Ahead of the launch, the initiative had already attracted sponsorships worth R3 million in partnership with the private sector.
Athletes, including Marathon ambassadors across the entire country have already shown interest of participation.
The launch, at Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, was graced by the presence of ambassadors, Tete Dijana, who is a 3-time Comrades Marathon Winner and the Champion of the 2025 Comrades, including 9-time Comrades Marathon Champion Bruce Fordyce.
Among the dignitaries were the President of Athletic South Africa(ASA) James Moloi, the Northern Cape Executive Council, Mayor of Sol Plaatje Municipality Martha Bartlett and Speaker Dipuo Peters, Francis Baard District Mayor Wende Marekwa, and members of the Provincial Government. The launch marks a significant milestone in the tourism and economic development within the city of Kimberley with an anticipation of more than 3500 participants expected to attend.
It was lauded as the second-highest paying Marathon in South Africa, behind the Comrades.
According to the premier, the biggest sponsor into the initiative was Standard Bank, with a whooping R1 Million towards the success of the event.
Other local businesses also joined in through either monetary sponsorship or services.
Registrations towards the marathon has already opened for 5km, 10km, 21.1km, and 42 km races, of which the registration fees differ.
The race is expected to start at the Sol Plaatje University(SPU), pass some well-known sites like the Mayibuye Uprising Memorial, the Big Hole, and the Galeshewe Circle, before concluding at the SPU Sporting Ground.
Each of the winners is expected to take home a share of R1.2million worth of prize money in the various categories.
Saul said the Marathon is one of five key events that will promote tourism activities in the Kimberley like the Wilderklaawer, Diamond Cup Skateboarding, Yonder Hartsfees, Diamonds and Dorings Jazz Festival, and the Gariepfees, which they hope to bring back.
According to the Premier, these are key events that will strengthen and optimize tourism potential in the city, with a contribution of 4.6% of the GDP of the province.
“They are key catalytic activities, which are the city’s economic drivers,” Saul added.
The marathon is also positioned as part of the provincial government’s plan to change the city of Kimberley from a mining town into a university town.
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