The annual Medihelp Sunrise Monster road race is seen as one of the best conditioning races for the Comrades Marathon, and is to be held at the Harlequin Club in Pretoria on 3 March this year. 

Almost 6 000 runners and more than 2 000 spectators are expected at this year’s event. 

“The Medihelp Sunrise Monster is traditionally known as an excellent preparatory run for the Comrades, as both races have lots of ups and downs,” says Geoff Hesse, chairmanperson of the organising club, Harlequin Harriers. “Being 2012 the race will be run for the 35rd time”, he says.

Three separate races are offered on the day: the Sunrise Monster over 32 km, a Mini Monster with a distance of 10 km and a 5 km Baby Monster for theose not so adventurous. The starting time for the 32 km is 06:03 with the 10 km run starting at 06:30. The Baby Monster will start at 6:40. “The starting time for the main, and first, event is specifically at 06:03 as it is the time the sun rises, hence the name of the event,” says Hesse.

Pre-entries close on 29 February and are available at a variety of outlets in Pretoria and Johannesburg as well as online at www.entrytime.co.za. Late entries, temporary license entries and pre-entry collection will be available at the Harlequin’s club fields on 2 March between 16:00 and 19:00 and on the morning of the race from 04:30.   

According to Hesse, the route will be well-marshalled with refreshment stations at 3 km intervals. “It is important to remember that the event is not only for runners and walkers, but also for their families and supporters”. 

In addition spectators and participants can win cash prizes if they dress in green and wear their Medihelp sun visors on the day. 

Medihelp will again be the title sponsor of the event. According to Anton Rijnen, Principal Officer and Chief Executive of Medihelp, the Scheme has been involved in the sponsoring of road running and other sporting events for a number of years and is specifically looking forward to the 2012 edition of the Medihelp Sunrise Monster. “The event ties in perfectly with Medihelp’s philosophy that physical and mental health are very important aspects of a balanced life, and should be managed in a partnership between the individual and medical scheme. Thus we are always looking for opportunities to contribute to the general health and well-being of the public,” says Rijnen.