July 8, 2004
By Lebofsa Masha
ATHLETES who want to take part in the second Blue IQ Johannesburg City Challenge - which celebrates South Africa's 10 years of democracy - have until Wednesday 14 July to register.
The 2004 Blue IQ Johannesburg City Challenge, Africa's richest half-marathon, will be run through the streets of the city on Sunday 18 July.
Runners on the Nelson Mandela bridge
The race was held for the first time in 2003 - to coincide with the opening of the Nelson Mandela Bridge, which links Braamfontein and Newtown.
Last year more than 12 000 people took part; this year is expected to draw a bigger field.
The festival includes the running of the prestigious half-marathon of 21km as well as the faster street mile for invited athletes.
Some international and local athletes have already confirmed their participation, including Youssuf Songoka from Kenya and South Africa's Abner Chipu, who came second and third last year.
A 10km run is also scheduled.
More than R750 000 has been set aside for prizes. The first man and woman home in the half-marathon earn a R175 000 purse.
The runners-up will also win hefty prizes: those in second and third place will take home R75 000 and R50 000 respectively. Those who come fourth and fifth will earn R25 000 and R10 000.
Runners in the 21km race will start in Bree Street, head towards the Oriental Plaza, venture back down Carr Street, go over the Nelson Mandela Bridge, pass Constitution Hill and follow the M1 South before descending to the finishing line in Mary Fitzgerald Square.
"As with last year, the Blue IQ Joburg City Challenge will coincide with Nelson Mandela's birthday on Sunday July 18," says Blue IQ's communications manager, Natascha Uberbacher.
"This is an ongoing tribute to one of South Africa's living icons who represents freedom, human rights and democracy. Nelson Mandela is an inspiration to the city and it is fitting to continue to recognise his contribution to our struggle through a race especially 10 years after our freedom."
Paul Mashatile, Gauteng's MEC for finance and economic affairs, is optimistic that this year's race will "bring a large number of people into Johannesburg's inner city, particularly Newtown".
More than 300 high schools in Gauteng will also participate in the 10km race and R20 000 will be awarded to the school with the most finishers. Schools placed second and third will win R10 000 and R5 000 respectively.
Diepkloof's Fons Luminus High School scooped the first prize last year and has already registered more than 300 students for this year's run.
The school's athletics co-ordinator, Ronnie Ramotlhola, says: "The development race is our race. The message we are sending out to every learner is to participate and bring back the prize to our school. We are embarking on a mass-participation campaign in order to maintain our status as the best school as well as to honour former president Nelson Mandela."
Registration will take place on Friday 16 July and Saturday 17 July at the Mary Fitzgerald Square, where race numbers will be handed out.
The entry fee for the half-marathon will be R30; the 10km race will cost R20. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to Siyawela Community Childcare Programme in Soweto.
For more information about the race contact Natascha Uberbacher on 011 689 1624 or 072 531 8500, or register on www.blueiq.co.za/JCC/main.htm
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