The historic City2City Ultra-Marathon between Johannesburg and Pretoria has received a face lift and is set to become Gauteng's premier road running race once again.

Under the new management of Premiere Sport Management, the Bonitas City2City Marathon hopes to become a highlight of the road running calendar. This year, together with the backing of title sponsor Bonitas Medical Fund, runners can look forward to excellent organisation, support and smooth logistical management.

The event, which attracts thousands of passionate local and international runners, follows a 50km route between Pretoria and Johannesburg steeped in history. This year the event will take place on 18 September 2011.

Started in 1903, the Bonitas City2City Ultra-Marathon boasts total prize money of R200k, including a lucky draw for an all inclusive package for two to the New York City Marathon on 6 November 2011. In addition to the 50km ultra-marathon for which the event has become so well known, runners of all levels of experience can also look forward to participating in either the 21.1km half marathon or the 10km family road race.

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.city2citymarathon.co.za or completed on line at www.entrytime.com. Entries received before 1 September 2011 for all distances will receive a commemorative race T-shirt and goody bag.

The ultra-marathon is a true test of endurance and this year's route will be an "up run" from Pretoria to Johannesburg finishing at the James & Ethel Grey Park in Melrose. The ultra-marathon is aptly held during Heritage Month as the race winds its way past a number of historical sites along the way.

The real challenge this year will be for runners to beat the current records held for the 50km ultra-marathon. The Men's record is held by Bethuel Netshifhefhe's 2:45:41 set in 2006, while Frith van der Merwe's 3:04:30, held since 1989 will be difficult to better. Van der Merwe's time is also the fastest ever by a South African woman over 50km.