October 27, 2006
By Lucky Sundane
MORE than 10 000 runners are expected to line up for South Africa's richest standard marathon, the Nedbank Soweto Marathon, popularly known as the People's Race.
The People's Race is set to take place on Sunday, 5 November, starting and ending at Elkah Stadium in Soweto. "Runners and spectators will see a different Soweto from one they experienced last year," says Johannesburg's Executive Mayor Amos Masondo.
"At the end of last year we completed a R485,2-million project of tarring of all roads in the area and earlier this year we launched an ambitious project to 'green Soweto' through the planting of 30 000 trees over a period of five years."
The People's Race heads for the streets of Soweto on 5 November
Total prize money of R576 300 has been set aside for events that include the standard 42km marathon, a 10km race and a 20km walk. The first male and female to cross the finish line in the standard marathon will each pocket R60 000, R30 000 and R20 000 for second and third place respectively.
The first male and female to cross the finish line for the 10km race and the 20km walk will each pocket R5 000 respectively.
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.
Explaining the new race, Athletics South Africa (ASA) general manager Linda Ferns said, "ASA, with the strong backing of Nedbank, is committed to working in close co-operation with the SA Sports Association for the Physically Disabled to create opportunities for athletes with disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics."
The People's Race will be going back to its roots this year. 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 thought of this historic race starting and ending in Soweto is exciting," said the City's events manager, Bongi Mokaba. "This will be a true reflection of Soweto as it will pass through the township's historic landmarks. The standards applied by the City in staging and supporting events and ensuring the safety of both participants and residents will be applied. The hospitality that the Soweto people give to the athletes will be enjoyed throughout the route."
Masondo added that it was events such as the Nedbank Soweto Marathon that "contribute to building Johannesburg into a world-class sporting city".
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 and R25 for the wheelchair race.
Entries close on Friday, 27 October. Runners can enter online by logging on to the Nedbank website or collect entry forms at athletics clubs, sports stores and Nedbank branches.
For more information contact Athletics South Africa on 011 880 5800 or email mathaseries@athleticssa.co.za.
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