DITAU DIARORA MARATHON 2024 "Ke Tlile. Ke Bone. I Conquered"

Ditau Diarora Marathon is a running event in the Greater Taung (North West) that covers distances of 42km, 21km and 10km (including 5km Fun Run). Taung is a seTswana word meaning "a place of lions", hence the name "Ditau Diarora" which basically means "Lions are roaring". The event takes places on the 15th December 2024 (05h30AM) at the Taung Community Hospital Sports Ground.

TAUNG SKULL WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Taung is part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and archeological wonder after the discovery of fossil remains, a specimen of the species Australopithecus africanus in 1924. The Taung Skull fossil found in Buxton limestone quarry mine traces and defines the origin, human occupation and evolution of humanity, dating back 4,5 million years back. The first ever hominid to be discovered on the entire African continent. This fossil evidence has come to play a crucial role in furthering our understanding of human evolution and the appearance of modern human behavior. The discovery of the Taung Skull not only legitimize the evolution theory but also revolutionized paleoanthropology in later years. That makes Taung Skull 'Taung Child' a fascinating tourist attraction site.

❤ CHARITY

(To be nominated soon)

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN MY ENTRY

☀ Event Performance T-Shirt

☀ Race Number, Safety Pins & Timing Chip

☀ Finisher's Race Medal

☀ Finisher's Race Certificate

☀ Refreshments Stations along the Route, every 3km

☀ Winning category prizes (To be announced)

RACE PACK COLLECTION

Race pack collection will be at the TAUNG MALL from 12 - 14 December 2024 (between 09h00am - 18h00pm). Bring ID Book/Smartcard or Driving Licence to collect as proof.

AGE CATEGORIES

⊗ JUNIOR 14-19

⊗ OPEN    20 - 39

⊗ VETERAN 40 - 49

⊗ MASTER  50 - 59

⊗ GRAND MASTER 60 - 69

⊗ GREAT GRAND MASTER  70+

REGISTRATION AND GENERAL ENQUIRIES

Contact Ditau Diarora Athletic Club here on this email: [email protected] 

DITAU DIARORA MARATHON GENERAL RACE RULES

 1. All entrants will have a timing chip on their Race number which must not be covered / pinned through.

2. Minimum age limits are 14 years for the 5km Fun Run, 10km & 21.1km and 18 years for the 42.2km.

3. All entrants are to PERSONALLY collect their race pack (Free T-Shirt, numbers, timing chips, etc) on specified dates at Taung Mall.

4. Race packs will not be handed over to any third party. Race packs are for athletes who have come to registration ONLY. We remind you that entries are neither refundable NOR transferable.

5. All entrants participate at their own risk and organisers and sponsors will not be responsible for any loss or injury incurred during or as a result of the race. The organisers and sponsors will not be responsible for any property lost or damaged on the course or in the changing area.

6. The event provides medical support for all runners. Should a runner require additional medical support, over and above that provided by the event, this will be for the runner’s personal expense.

7. All medical / paramedic costs are for the entrants own account. The organisers will not pay these nor be responsible for the costs. All entrants will be personally required to sign an indemnity at registration. These may not be signed by a 3rd party.

8. Well stocked aid stations, with nutrition and hydration, will be provided along the 5km Fun Run, 10km, 21.1km and 42.2km routes at an approximate interval of 3km.

9. Aid stations for the Ditau Diarora Marathon are located as described on the website and route profile.

10. No seconding whatsoever is permitted and you may be disqualified.

11. This is a World Heritage Site and no littering will be tolerated. Rubbish bins are provided at the aid stations and please make use of them. No disposal of litter between aid stations will be permitted. IF YOU LITTER, YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

12. All finishers for 5km Fun Run, 10km, 21.1km & 42.2km will receive a medal.

13. Lunches, light snacks and drinks will be on sale at the Finishing Point (Taung Hospital Sports Ground) 

14. There will be no refund of entry fee nor any other costs should the race have to be cancelled for any reason beyond the organisers control e.g. severe weather conditions.

15. As Ditau Diarora Marathon, we adheres to standard running policy of Athletics South Africa.

16. No blades, cyclist or mechanically operated device allowed in the race.

17. No pets will be allowed.

18. No listening devices (eg. earphones, headphones, etc) allowed to be used while running for your own safety and in an event of emergency evacuation guided by safety officials.

19. Anti-Doping Rules applies to winners of prize money and  will only be paid once Drug Testing Results are received.

20. All traffic and safety officials' instructions to be obeyed.

21. Any race timing chancers and cheaters will automatically be disqualified.

22. Athletes acknowledge by entering the event they are medically and physically fit to participate.

23. Athletes indemnify the national, provincial and regional bodies, sponsors and organizers of the race against any or all actions of whatsoever nature, whatever the same may arise out of their  participation in the race.

DITAU DIARORA MARATHON ROUTE COURSE AND PROFILE

The route course is fairly flat on a asphalt "tar" road, except 2km on gravel road between N18 and Mokgareng. The 42km race starts and finishes at Taung Hospital Sports Ground. Runners will turn right at Blekkies towards Chiefscourt and passes Ba-Ga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Council , from there runners will cruises past Mmabana Taung, Taung Agricultural College, PH Mooketsi Agricultural High School, Taung Sports Complex, Taung Mall, villages of Mokgareng, Rooiwal, Matolong, Maphoitsile and Manokwane.

The 5km Fun Run, 10km and 21km will start on the same route of 42km and finishes also at Taung Hospital Sports Ground.

"Ke Tlile. Ke Bone. I Conquered"