May 26, 2004
By Bontle Moeng
THE City of Johannesburg will celebrate democracy in an energetic fashion when it hosts the 702 Walk the Talk marathon on Sunday 25 July. But the main attraction will be a 10km walk - held to mark the same number of years of freedom.
The 702 Walk the Talk is the only walking marathon in Africa and one of the largest walks in the world. The first walk, in 2000, drew 12 000 entrants. This year organisers expect 25 000.
The walks will all start in Corlett Drive, outside the Wanderers Cricket Stadium. The route will take in Oxford Road, Riveria Road, West Street, Central Street, Jameson Avenue and Melrose Street.
The radio station's event has become a highlight of Joburg's sporting and social calendar. It is endorsed by the City of Johannesburg and goes with the aim of making Joburg the sporting capital of South Africa. Coca-Cola and Joburg Water will sponsor the event.
The event consists of a 5km fun walk, which starts at 10.30am, a 10km walk to celebrate 10 years of democracy, set for 8.30am, and two officially timed walks - a 21km race and a 42km race - due to start at 7.30am and 6.30am.
Entrance costs R30 for the 5km walk, R40 for the 10 km, R50 for the 21km and R60 for the 42km. People over 60, as well as children younger than 18, will pay R25. Participants in the 21km or 42km walks will need a Central Gauteng Athletics licence or will have to buy a temporary one on the day for R14 or R20.
The South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind is the official beneficiary of the event and an optional donation can be made with every entrance fee. The dogs and their handlers will be there to demonstrate their skills.
The 702 Walk the Talk is the only walking marathon in Africa
The competitive focus is on the timed races, in which there are four categories: senior, veteran, master and grandmaster. In the 42km, the first man and the first woman home will win R800. Second place will earn R500 and third place R300.
A first place in the 21km walk will win R500, a second will take home R300 and a third will receive R150.
The 21km walk is restricted to competitors of 16 and older, and the 42km race to those of 20 and older. But the 5km fun walk is open to all.
The race provides a safe and secure route for children, the disabled, dogs on leashes, pensioners, the fit, the unfit - and even those pushing prams.
Joburg residents are invited to paint their faces, emblazon themselves with South African flags and walk to celebrate a decade of freedom.
Commemorative medals will be awarded to all finishers and the prize-giving ceremony is scheduled for 12.30pm at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium.
Entertainment will be provided and Joburgers will be able to meet their favourite 702 personalities - who will also be walking on the day.
Walkers can bring along picnic baskets and relax on the Wanderers cricket pitch at the end of the races. And those who have entered a large team can book a hospitality site.
A cricket pitch hospitality site, catering for 20 people, costs R1 800. The site, which is 5 metres by 7 metres, comes with two trestle tables, 20 plastic chairs and picket fencing.
Marquees on the A rugby field, which will cater for 60 people, can be hired for R5 000. To book a hospitality site contact Verde Wiese on 011 463 2743 or email verde@hsp.co.za.
Participants can register online at www.702.co.za. Official registration takes place at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium from 21 July to 24 July, between 9am and 4pm. Entries have been open since 3 May.
For more information call the Walk Office on 011 463 2743, email walkthetalk@702.co.za or contact Samantha Durkin, the events coordinator for Hartford Sports Promotions, on 083 297 2988.
Entry for the event will now close on Wednesday 30 June
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