The Eastern Cape is one of the quieter, less frequented tourist hotspots of South Africa. However, it is a beautiful destination that boasts gorgeous weather, long stretches of pristine beaches and an endless variety of things to do and see. For these reasons, the Eastern Cape is the popular host of a number of fabulous sporting events throughout the year.
The Spec Savers Iron Man™
This annual triathlon is a true test of physical strength, endurance and the will to succeed. It consists of 3.8 kilometre swim, 180 kilometre cycle and a 42.2 kilometre run. Most of the spectators, many of whom come from all over the world to witness this event, watch along the beautiful Port Elizabeth beachfront. The Iron Man competition is usually held in April, bringing a flood of athletes, their families, friends and fans into the Friendly City.
Jeffrey’s Bay Dive Fest™
As part of an initiative to encourage locals to explore the wonders of the ocean and take up SCUBA diving, the J-Bay Underwater Club now hosts the Jeffrey’s Bay Dive Fest. As participants don their SCUBA gear, they will be exposed to the stunning reefs, wrecks and caves hidden below the crystal surface of the Indian Ocean. This annual event stretches over three days and includes other fun activities, such as the 4 x 4 expo, Monster Trucks display,
music concerts
, beauty contest, and more. For more information, contact Hennie Oelofse on +27 (0)79 862 5218.
Discovery Algoa FM Big Walk™
This big walk is ideal for families and offers either a 5 kilometre or a 10 kilometre option. It is held in aid of cancer research, and the monies raised are donated to various organisations involved in such activities. Prizes are awarded for the top three winners and age group winners. Spot prizes are also on offer. This event is fun, relaxed and well attended by about 6 000 athletic participants per year. For more information, contact Jakkie Gerber on +27 (0)83 651 6880.
The Herald Cycle Tour™
During the hot summer months of the Eastern Cape, cyclists gather to participate in this challenging event. There are a number of options available to riders, both in terms of distance and in terms of whether they prefer to cycle road bikes or mountain bikes. The routes vary depending on the type of bike, making use of the coastal hilly roads and the bushveld of the mountains further inland. For more information, contact Shane on +27 (0)82 594 0771.
Billabong Pro Jeffrey’s Bay™
This competition represents one leg of the international surfing compo, the ASP World Tour Supertubes, to establish the world champion. Jeffrey’s Bay is renowned for its magnificent waves, and invites the world’s top 32 surfers to showcase their skills in these warm waters. This remains one of the Eastern Cape’s most successful and well attended events.
Other popular events include:
- The St Francis Bay MTB Challenge (Port St Francis, St Francis Bay)
- The Zuurberg Mountain Inn 15 km (Addo)
- The Liberty Health Baviaanskloof Trail Run (Baviaanskloof)
- The Rhodes Extreme MTB Race (Rhodes Village, Drakensburg Highlands)
- SMS Direct 27 km Run and Walk (Port Alfred)
- BSG Energade Triathlon Series (Port Elizabeth)
- Aspen PE City Marathon (Port Elizabeth)
- The Hansgrohe Masters of Water – Stage Two (Port Elizabeth)
- Wild Coast Ultra (Port St John’s)
- Discovery Surfers Challenge (East London)
- Merrifield Mile (East London)
- Old Mutual Buffs Marathon (Stutterheim)
- Sunridge Park Shopping Complex 10 km (Port Elizabeth)
- Grindrod Bank Umngazi Pondo Pedal (Port St John’s)
- Bush Warriors Challenge (East London)
- SPAR Ladies’ 10 km Challenge (Port Elizabeth)
- Mountain Drive Half Marathon (Grahamstown)
- Heartbreak Hill Half Marathon (Port Elizabeth)
- Enid Pretorius Properties Trail Walk (St Francis Bay)
- Citrus Sports Festival (Addo)
- Valley of the Flags Mountain Bike Race (Steytlerville)
