The 2023 South African Marathon Championships returns to the Western Cape this year and will be incorporated into Bike Fest Paarl, a new multi-day cycling festival from 3-5 March that will become an annual feature in one of the country’s premier cycling destinations.
Bike Fest Paarl will be based at Rhebokskloof on the north of Paarl Mountain and the South African Marathon Championships race routes will use the established, world-class Paarl Trails network on the slopes of this iconic landmark.
In true festival style, there will be three full days of racing action with the national marathon championships taking place on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March. Two events will be specifically for eBikes. There will be a round of the Western Cape Enduro on Saturday 4 March as well as range of short-course/compact venue contests on Friday 3 March.
More than 70 exhibitors have already booked stands at Bike Fest Paarl, confirming the event’s relevance to the South African cycling industry. More have committed to book, ensuring a wide range of products and services will be on display and/or sale.
There will also be a 5.5km test track to enable bike brands to offer test rides as well as hot showers, bike-wash bay and a secure bike storage area. There will also be music, entertainment, food and refreshments.
“After the success of hosting the 2021 SA Marathon Champs and having this incredible trails network right here in Paarl, it made sense to launch the first Bike Fest Paarl. As we move into the first full year without the Covid-related restrictions, it’s a good time to celebrate the sport of cycling in general and mountain biking in particular,” said Darren Herbst, Bike Fest Paarl organiser and head of Paarl Trails.
“Yes, the marathon champs races are the main feature events, but we have been able to introduce Enduro as well as a schools short-track solo and relay into the programme as well as a few kiddies races. There’s something for everyone, whether they’re riders or supporters or just passionate about cycling,” added Herbst.
For more information on Bike Fest Paarl check out the website here
To enter an event, the online entry website is here
To download the Bike Fest Paarl vendor pack, find it here
For more information, send an email:
- Events: darren@paarltrails.com
- Expo: Jaco@commix.digital
2023 Bike Fest Paarl – Programme (subject to adjustments) |
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Friday 3 March 2023 |
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10:00 | Bike Fest – Paarl opens |
12:00 – 19:00: | Registration & Number Collection for various races opens |
10:00 – 19:00: | Bike Fest Expo |
16:00 – 18:00: | Schools & Junior Short Track Race. Individual & Relay |
Saturday 4 March 2023 |
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06:00 | Late number collection |
07:00 | 85km Ultra Marathon |
07:00 | Elite Men 19+ |
07:05 | Elite Women 19+ |
07:20 | Sub Vet Men 30-29 |
07:23 | Veteran Men 40-49 |
07:25 | Open 19+ |
08:30 | 62km Marathon |
08:30 | Junior Men 17-18 |
08:33 | Master Men 50-59 |
08:35 | Sub Vet Women 30-39 |
08:38 | Veteran Women 40-49 |
08:41 | Junior Women 17-18 |
08:50 | Open 19+ |
09:10 | E-Bikes 19+ |
14:00 – 18:00 | Enduro (Lite and Full) |
08:00 – 20:00: | Bike Fest Expo |
08:00 – 20:00: | Bike Fest Test track |
14:00 – 14:30: | Kiddies Push Bike Race |
15:00 – 15:30: | Kids 5km Race |
Sunday 5 March 2023 |
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07:00 | Late Number collection |
08:00: | 43km Half-Marathon |
08:00 | Youth Men 15-16 |
08:03 | Youth Women 15-16 |
08:05 | Master Women 50-59 |
08:08 | Gr Master Men 60+ |
08:11 | Gr Master Women 60+ |
08:25 | Open 19+ |
08:40 | E-Bikes 19+ |
09:00: | 26km Quarter-Marathon |
09:00: | Sub Junior Boys 13-14 |
09:03: | Sub Junior Girls 13-14 |
09:10 | Open 11+ |
08:00 – 17:00 | Bike Festival |
08:00 – 17:00 | Bike Test Track |
14:00 – 14:15 | Kiddies Push Bike Race |
14:30 – 15:00 | Kids 5km race |
17:00 | Bike Fest Paarl closes |