This international event which is billed as "The Greatest Pigeon Race In The World" will be held for the twelfth consecutive year on February 2, 2008. A total of 4,902 pigeons have been entered for this year's race, 1,261 from South Africa and 3,641 from 26 other countries, including 74 from Canada.

This one loft race originates in Sun City, South Africa and features the richest prize package in the sport. Last year's race paid a total of $US 1.6 million in cash and prizes.

When you consider not only the logistical nightmare of organizing a race like this but also the additional restrictions imposed by the recent global outbreaks of Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, the success of the race shown by the number of entries is a testament to the professional efforts of the organizer Air Sport Internationale.

The pigeons entered in the race go through a training program that begins with basket training and short tosses and develops into weekly races starting at 50 km and growing to 250 km by late January 2008. The "Final Race" on Saturday, February 2, 2008 will be from 550 km.

Pigeon fanciers and entrants can follow the progress of their birds through the race results posted on the race web site www.scmdpr.co.za and through the weekly press releases and newsletters sent out by various national organizing groups and syndicates. For those fanciers more interested in attending the race, the Sun City Resort offers a 10 day "Trip of a Lifetime" vacation package around the race date. A winning bird at this race not only brings its owner acclaim and major prize money but becomes a source of national pride for its country of origin.