THE SANI STAGGER 2009, hosted by the Sani Athletic Club, will be run on Saturday 28th November 2009 along the Sani Pass, between the Sani Pass Hotel and the Lesotho Border Post.
PLEASE NOTE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ATHLETES FOR THE MARATHON IS 400 ENTRIES AND THE HALF MARATHON DOWN IS RESTRICTED TO 150 ENTRIES  - SO ENTER EARLY-

Runners do not require passports unless they are staying overnight at the top as they will then need to go through the South African and Lesotho Border passport control.

DURING THE RACE ONLY ATHLETES AND OFFICIALS WILL BE GIVEN ACCESS VIA THE SA POLICE BORDER CONTROL. SHOULD YOU WISH TO VISIT THE SANI TOP CHALET YOU WILL NEED TO CARRY YOUR PASSPORT AND YOU WILL NEED TO GO THROUGH THE SA AND LESOTHO BORDER CONTROL. YOU MAY BE ARRESTED FOR ILLEGAL ENTRY SHOULD YOU CROSS THROUGH THE FIELD AND FENCES

Rules

    1. This event is a run according to the rules as laid down by the ASA and KZNA and all entrants must abide by these rules.
    2. Only current registered licensed runners may participate and club colours and numbers must be worn.
    3. Temporary licences are available at an extra cost of R25.00. Please indicate if required on entry.
    4. The minimum age limit for the 21,1km down race is 16 years.
    5. The minimum age limit for the 42,2km race is 20years.
    6. Proof of age and identification will be required.
    7. All entrants are to PERSONALLY collect their registration numbers and final instructions on the day prior to the event i.e.  Friday 27th November 2009.
    8. Only registered entrants will receive their registration pack. We will not post or send packs nor tee-shirts to non-registered entrants.
    9. Entrants must wear the race number on the front of their vest/top and their 2008 licence number on the back – not on shorts. They are to be visible when crossing the finish line
    10. Category indicators must be visibly worn to qualify for a category prize
    11. Race entry fees are not refundable nor transferable.
    12. 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, property lost or damaged on the course or in the changing area.
    13. Refreshment tables will be provided along the route at approximately 3km intervals. Because of the terrain there will also be unmanned boxes of water on a help yourself basis. No seconding whatsoever is permitted. Any athlete who has personal seconding or followers on the route will be immediately disqualified and asked to leave the course.
    14. Entries close when full. No entries will be accepted after 16th November 2009. Total entries will be 150 down half marathon and 400 marathon entries.
    15. 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.

EVENT INFORMATION AND ENTRY:

  1. The 21km Half-Marathon Down Race
    Start at Lesotho Border Post. Transport to the Lesotho Border Post will be provided and will leave Sani Pass Hotel at 6:45am
    Start: 09.00 am - Cut-off 3hrs (12.00am) for Prize categories and 3hrs30min (12:30am) for medal
    Race entry fee is R260 online R275 .00 manual.(Includes transport cost) Temp. Licence Fee extra R25.00. Please enter here.
  2. The 42,2km Marathon Endurance Race (UP & DOWN)
    Start at Sani Pass Hotel Golf Course at 06.00am - Cut-off 6hrs. (12:00am) for Prize categories and 6hrs 30min (12:30am) for medal. There is a cut off of 3hrs 45 mins at the turnaround point. Runners not getting to the top by 9:45am will not be able to continue.
    Comrades qualifier 5:00 hours.
    Race entry fee is R175.00online R190.00 manual.Temp Licence Fee R25.00. Please enter here

Important Information:

  1. All athletes are to personally collect their race numbers and registration packs at the Underberg Country Club on Friday 27th November 2009 from 9:00 to 9:00pm
  2. All athletes will be required to personally sign an indemnity form.
  3. We will NOT hand over registration packs to any third party. Registration packs are for athletes who have come to registration ONLY. Anyone withdrawing from the race and does NOT intend running will NOT receive the registration pack. We remind you that entries are neither refundable NOR transferable. There will be NO substitutions.
  4. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the Country Club from 9:00am to 9:00pm on Friday 27th November 2009
  5. Runners doing the 21,1km down and 42,2km marathon, who wish to have a bag with a change of clothes for after their run, must ensure that they hand in a clearly marked bag at the Tog Bag area. This is at the down race and marathon finish area at the hotel golf course.  For the 21,1km down runners there will be a vehicle at the top of the Pass to hand in your warm clothes needed while waiting for the start of the down race- again these must be placed in the clearly marked plastic bag that will be available at registration. Please note this is at your own risk and we will endeavor to get them to the finish areas as soon as possible.

Please note: It can be very cold at the top (below zero) before the start of the 21,1km down race, so be prepared.

Transport to Start
Runners doing the 21,1km down run will be transported to the top (cost included in entry fee ) Transport is limited and runners will need to be at the pickup point at the Sani Pass Hotel gates between 6:30am and 6:45am latest. We will not be able to accommodate late starters.

Route
The race takes place along the 21 km gravel road of the Sani Pass, through the magnificent scenic route between the Sani Pass Hotel and the Lesotho border post. The 42,2km marathon starts at the Sani Pass Hotel golf course and is run to the top of the Sani Pass to the Lesotho border and back down again finishing on the golf course. The 21,1km Down race starts at the top of the Sani Pass at the Lesotho Border and finishes at the Sani Pass Hotel golf course.  The race route has been measured by an ASA and international registered course measurer taking the shortest route along the course. Please bear in mind that the route is rocky, and uneven in places and you may not be able to take the shortest route. NO VEHICLES WILL BE PERMITTED ON THE ROUTE, UNLESS AUTHORISED TO TRANSPORT RUNNERS. Please adhere to this rule so as to avoid disqualification.
This is a World Heritage site and we urge all runners to keep their water sachets on them until they reach the refuse bins provided throughout the route. This is a very serious matter and littering could cause you to be disqualified from the race

 To see the route click here

Prize Giving & Prizes
Prizes will be handed out at the OFFICIAL PRIZE GIVING which will take place at the Sani Stagger Finish area on the Sani Pass Hotel Golf Course at 13h00.

Medals will be handed out to all finishers crossing the finish line at the Sani Pass Hotel.
PRIZES AND PRIZE MONEY WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE ONCE CONCLUDED BEFORE 16TH NOVEMBER 2009


Category prizes will not be given to those who DO NOT have their category and race numbers visible on the front AND back of their vest/tops.

PLEASE NOTE : The Sani Stagger is NOT about PRIZE MONEY, but the experience of the Event. We trust ALL participants will adhere to the safety precautions and sportsmanship of this prestigious event.

There are also numerous exciting lucky draw prizes that will be drawn at the prize giving. Only runners present will receive the prize

Refreshments:
All Sani Stagger entrants will be served tea/coffee at the start of the race.
Tea and muffins will also be provided at the finish of each race for Sani Stagger entrants.
Light lunches/refreshments at reasonable cost may be purchased at the Hotel. Cooler boxes and food/drinks from outside the Hotel will not be allowed

Accommodation
Is available throughout the district in various B&B’S, Hotels, Lodges and self- catering chalets. Make it a wonderful weekend in the most beautiful mountains of southern Africa. Contact Southern Berg Escape by email info@drakensberg.org or go to WHERE TO STAY on our website www.sanistagger.com

Queries
Any queries about the race can be dealt with by telephone during office hours: Trish 0337011577 or email info@sanistagger.com
The Sani Stagger assists and supports Tourism in the Southern Drakensberg. The Sani Stagger supports our local charity, Clouds of Hope Children’s Christian Care Centre, who always assist at the race.