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.

Bike Fest Paarl

While shorter in distance, the routes for each of the various races at the 2023 South African Marathon Championships include a large amount of climbing and descending around the Paarl Mountain. Photo by Chris Hitchcock.

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.

Bike Fest Paarl

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:

Bike Fest Paarl

The iconic Paarl Mountain will be the venue on which the 2023 South African Marathon Championship titles will be decided during Bike Fest Paarl from 3-5 March. Photo by Chris Hitchcock.

2023 Bike Fest Paarl – Programme (subject to adjustments)

Friday 3 March 2023

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

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

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