November 1, 2006
By Lucky Sindane
A TREE has been planted in Soweto to mark the return of the Nedbank Soweto Marathon to the township.
Johannesburg Executive Mayor Amos Masondo and Leonard Chuene, the president of Athletics South Africa (ASA), planted the tree on Wednesday, 1 November at the Elkah Stadium. The City manager, Mavela Dlamini; Nedbank's director for group strategy and corporate affairs cluster, Pinky Moholi; and members of the mayoral committee attended the event.
South Africa's richest standard marathon, the Nedbank Soweto Marathon, popularly known as the People's Race, is set to take place on Sunday, 5 November, starting and ending at Elkah Stadium.
Commenting on moving the race back to Soweto, Chuene said: "ASA is proud to have the Nedbank Soweto Marathon going back home to its roots. It is significant that together with Nedbank and the City of Johannesburg we cement our relations with the people of Soweto to create a world-class event, which will continue to place the township on the world map.
"This occasion is important to nurture this relationship and we hope that it will grow from strength to strength," he said.
With total prize money of R576 300 for the events that include the standard 42km marathon, a 10km race and 20km walk, more than 10 000 runners are expected to line up to compete on the day.
The first male and female to cross the finish line in the standard marathon will each pocket R60 000, with R30 000 and R20 000 set aside for second and third places, respectively.
The first male and female to cross the finish line for the 10km race and the 20km walk will each pocket R5 000. For the first time, there will be a 10km wheelchair race, with R5 000 for the winners. There will also be a 5km fun run for the youngsters.
"The record number of 10 000 expected participants will see the changes for themselves along the 42km standard marathon route," Masondo said. "They will see that this year for the first time in 15 years the race takes place entirely within the confines of Soweto.
"Soweto is, without a doubt, one of the best-known places in South Africa and events such as this marathon confirm and re-affirm its reputation. For many decades Soweto has been synonymous with the struggle for political freedom and equal rights in the country but in recent years it is developing into a vibrant hub of majestic economic and social developments," he added.
Moholi said that the Soweto marathon was more than a running race. "It is an icon in South African sport. It brings together the people of Africa and indeed the world in an event that symbolises the reconciliatory power of sport in our great country."
The new route starts at Koma Road just off Potchefstroom Road and takes in several historical and cultural landmarks, including Walter Sisulu Square, Kliptown, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Vilakazi Street, Hector Peterson Memorial, Morris Isaacson School, Oppenheimer Memorial, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's current home and the Jabulani Hostels.
The race is endorsed by the City of Johannesburg. Entrance fees are R60 for the 42km standard marathon, R40 for the 20km walk, R25 for the 10km race and R25 for the wheelchair race.
For more information contact Athletics South Africa on 011 880 5800 or email
mathaseries@athleticssa.co.za
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