July 19, 2007
By Millicent Kgowedi
PARK-AND-RIDE facilities, Netcare 911 and loads of entertainment can be expected at the biggest participation sporting event in South Africa, the Discovery 702 Walk the Talk, on Sunday, 22 July.
A number of roads in the Joburg suburbs of Emmarentia, Greenside, Parktown, Parkhurst, Parkwood and Parkview will the closed on the day and the organisers have made available park-and-ride facilities to reduce traffic jams. The main parking area for participants and spectators is at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens at Emmarentia Dam.
"Free-flow pointsmen will be assisting with the traffic flow into and out of the venue, and the roads leading up to the venue [Marks Park Sports Club]," said Vanessa Papas, the public relations co-ordinator.
Papas added that people could park at Nasrec, Northgate, Bezuidenhout Park, Ruimsig and Athletic Stadium for R20 a car and would be bussed to the venue and back to the park-and-ride area after they had completed the walk.
Record entries
A record number of 38 000 walkers will converge on Marks Park Sports Club in Judith Road, Emmarentia, the starting and ending point of the Walk the Talk.
At the start in 2004
"We believe that the numbers this year will be a record in terms of mass participation. The walk is right up there with international events like the New York Marathon, which had 37 800 participants, and the London Marathon with 36 300 participants. This is a remarkable achievement that reflects Joburg's dedication to fitness, fun and family," said Pheladi Gwangwa, the station manager at Talk Radio 702.
Hosted by the City of Johannesburg, the walk allows people to see some of the city's beautiful landmarks as they stroll through the tree-lined streets of Emmarentia, Greenside, Parktown, Parkhurst, Parkwood and Parkview.
"It is not only promoting a culture of healthy living and fitness among our residents, but it also provides an opportunity for the City to showcase its ability to organise events of this magnitude to wider audiences as we move towards 2010. This is a truly world class event, hosted by Johannesburg, a world-class African city," said Mavela Dlamini, the City manager.
Among the walkers are radio personalities John Robbie, Jenny Crwys-Williams, Leigh Bennie, Tom London, Bruce Whitfield and Redi Direko. Well-known sportspeople Baby Jake, Daley Thompson, Deshun Deysel, Steve Waugh and Morne du Plessis will also be joining in, together with the SABC's Dali Mpofu and Minister of Transport Jeff Radebe.
"It's great to have such a remarkable sportsmen and women taking part in this year's event," Gwangwa said.
A number of Egoli staff members and actors will also be strolling, including Godfrey Ribombo, Jaco Theron, Melande Tonjeni, Mandi du Plooy, Simphiwe Mqolomba, Victor Shokane, Anthony Burgess and Tobie Swanepoel.
Laureus Sport for Good
A percentage of all entry fees from this year will be donated to the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation, the official benefiting charity organisation of this event.
The foundation celebrates the universal power of sport to bring people together and uses the passion that sports inspires as a force for good.
Pikitup was brought on board to help with the cleaning up of the routes from 8.30am until the end of the event. "The special focus will be on all the watering points," said Pansy Jali, the public relations officer at Pikitup.
On the day after the walk, the Waterval and Norwood depots would send staff into the area to undertake any cleaning that might have missed on the day, Jali added.
There will be a supervisor, ton vehicles, six loaders, two drivers, ten sweepers and 2 000 plastic bags to ensure a complete cleanup after the Walk the Talk.
"A supervisor will ensure that all plastic bags that that are full are removed and new ones are placed. One small compacter vehicle will roam around and collect all filled refuse bags and bins."
Netcare 911, the official medical sponsor, will be available to help those having difficulties during the race. Netcare ambulances, paramedics and the Netcare 911 helicopter will be on site to assist in all emergencies.
Top local acts PJ Powers and Denim will entertain the crowd while a separate kids' area will be set aside to keep the little ones entertained. The organisers invite members of the public to bring along picnic baskets and enjoy a day in the sun at Marks Park.
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