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SPAR Women's 10/5km New Route - TheEd - 06-08-2014 The best of Durban will be the view in the upcoming SPAR Women’s 10/5km race with the new race route taking runners along the new look beachfront and Green Hub precinct. The field of 17,500 ladies will start in Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, just across the road from Durmail, heading north. The majority of the 10km race is on the beachfront with a scenic loop taking them through the Blue Lagoon area. Snell Parade will be the stomping ground for the run north as they wind their way to the Kingfisher Canoe Club before making their way past the Dusi Canoe Marathon finish and along the promenade back towards the city and the finish at Sahara Stadium. “It is difficult to pinpoint the most scenic spot this year; there are several parts of the race that are absolutely spectacular. The route is mostly flat with a couple of occasions the ladies are going to have to gear down.” Some interesting statistics on the route include its start at 5m above sea level and finish at 3m. The lowest point is at 1 metre above sea level at Blue Lagoon (approx. 4.8km) with the biggest climb from 4m to 9m. The maximum slope is 9.1% and -9.0% with the averages at 1.2% and -1.1%. If you really want the tough details, the elevation gain is 66.2m and loss is -67.7m For the shorter distance, the 5km athletes will also start alongside Durmail heading north. Their route will have them turning right just beyond the Suncoast parking lot and double back under the M4 underpass where they converge with the 10km route. “Curving along the promenade with the cityscape in front of you and the ocean to your left, aren’t the ladies privileged to have this landscape as part of the run. Channelling through the M4 underpass to be greeted by the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium with the palm tree avenue taking you out to Masabalala Yengwa Avenue certainly adds to the wow factor.” Race Director, Brad Glasspoole enthused. At the race launch last week, Glasspoole introduced a virtual run-through of the route allowing the field to actually see where they will be running this year. “Not many races have a video clip of the entire route. This is a great tool for all involved! For the top runners they get to see the challenges that lie in wait, where the gradual hills are and the line they can run to minimise time. For the rest of the ladies, they get to see what is in store for them and a way to brag about their achievement.” Top South African U23 Mountain Bike cross country cyclist, Ashleigh Moffatt from Time Freight VELOlife cycled the route mounted with a camera to capture the scenes for the YouTube clip. “I loved cycling the route; it is fast and pretty. I have to admit that I am in awe of the top runners being able to clock 30 odd minutes for the distance.” The volunteer camera lady stated. MD for SPAR KZN, Rob Philipson stated, “I love the fact that we launched the YouTube video so you can get a feel of what you are about to take on. Technology is fantastic and it makes sense that we use it to the fullest!” Potential athletes have two options of entering, online at http://www.sparwomensrace.co.za or manually at the race registration at Suncoast on 21, 22 or 23 August. To view the race simulation clip go to YouTube and search for SPAR WOMEN’S 10/5KM RACE SIMULATION – DURBAN. For more info like the Facebook page SPAR Women’s 5/5km Race.