Both the Jeppe Marathon and Half Marathon have been consistently ranked in a number of our surveys as well organised and well presented. Walkers are welcome to enter the half marathon, provided you make the 02:45 time limit. This is a race that stands on a big stage, and deservedly so. The event exceeds its own very high standards every year. Every department, from entry form management to finish venue, runs like a well-oiled machine. 

Pre-entries close about two weeks before the event for the marathon and the half marathon and limited to 6,000 runners. The ten and five kilometre fun runs are limited to 3,000 runners only. Grand Masters enjoy free entry. Fun run entries are accepted at the start from 05h00.

Overall this is a well-balanced route with a fair amount of challenge. The Jeppe Half Marathon is one lap and the marathon is a two lap race that kicks off with a tough, rolling first 10 kilometres. The second half of the lap goes through Bedfordview with several small inclines between the 14 and 17 kilometre markers. The downhill run past Gillooly’s Farm for the last few kilometres is always a relief for sore and weary legs. Be sure not to get too carried away for there is a short, sharp climb in the last kilometre just before the finish.

The marathon incorporates three detours in the second lap to make up for distance, so do not visualise the second lap as a replica of the first. This is a good build-up to the Comrades, with just enough hills and undulations to make you realise that a lot more training is needed in the next two months. (Thanks to Mike Settas.)