WHY YOU SHOULD RUN, WALK & CHEER!

• Our venue strives for a greener footprint every day!
• Our medals and trophies are GREEN, GREEN, GREEN!
• Great prize money!
• First eco-marathon in South Africa
• Cleanest, greenest sports event in South Africa - we're aiming!
• First national qualifying marathon based in Nelson Mandela Bay!
• Stunning, safe and fast routes
• Marathon, 20km Trail and 5km Fun Run routes
• Enjoy a family day out in one of the most pristine environments in Nelson Mandela Bay, surrounded by eland, giraffe, zebra and more!
• Learn fun and easy ways to 'go green' at home
• Become an ambassador for sharing knowledge and pride in our region's biodiversity

The 2011 ECOMILE  was hosted by Royalston, set in the heart of the indigenous coastal thicket and forest biomes of Nelson Mandela Bay.

The Royalston development is an 800Ha property, characterised by pristine coastal forest consisting of ancient Milkwoods, Yellowoods and the like, with open grasslands stretching over rolling hills and natural freshwater streams feeding the largest lake in Port Elizabeth.

The Reserve carries a diverse array of flora and fauna, boasting many critically endangered species; the Honey Badger, Knysna Woodpecker, Secretary Bird, Blue Duiker, Fish Eagle, Cape Eagle Owl, Milkwood, Yellowwood, to name but a few. Large game include herds of Zebra, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Impala, Waterbuck, Lechwe, Reebuck, Blesbuck, Springbuck, Bushpig, Aardvark, Eland, Bushbuck, Nyala and the Sable Antelope, Royalston’s ambassador and emblem inspiration. Predators include the Black Backed Jackal whose mesmerising cries can be heard as the sun sets, the Lynx, Gennet Cat and Cape Fox.

What makes this event unique?

Nelson Mandela Bay had the pleasure of introducing a unique new annual marathon to the South African running calendar in October 2009.

Now in it's third year, the ECOMILE MARATHON has introduced a refreshing alternative to running for a cause:  “Run for the Trees”.  Not only did the organisers plan towards a carbon neutral event, but runners and local communities were also involved in greening and rehabilitation programmes as part of the carbon offset and environmental awareness strategy.

The ECOMILE MARATHON aims to set a new benchmark as the cleanest, greenest event in South Africa.  From an eco-friendly perspective, the event is managed around Key Performance Indicators including Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Waste Management & Recycling, Sustainable Procurement and Rehabilitation & Greening.  An education, training and awareness campaign is also incorporated at operational and marketing levels through participants, sponsors and partners, spectators, media and local communities.