July 3, 2007
By Millicent Kgowedi
WITH Johannesburg's biggest walking event just around the corner, organisers are finalising plans to make sure that the annual Walk the Talk again runs smoothly.
On Sunday, 22 July, a record number of 35 500 walkers will converge on Marks Park Sports Club in Judith Road, Emmarentia - the starting and ending point of the Discovery 702 Walk the Talk.
Participants will get some air and some exercise while taking the scenic route through the leafy northern suburbs of Emmarentia, Greenside, Parktown, Parkhurst, Parkwood and Parkview.
There will be 42km and 21km timed events, starting at 6.30am and 7.30am respectively, for the more experienced walkers; an 8km walk for companies, clubs, families and friends, starting at 9.30am; and a 5km fun walk along a secure route for children, junior walkers, prams, dogs on leashes, the disabled and pensioners, starting at 11.30am.
A Joburg event for one and all
"To ensure the safety of everyone who will be walking, as well as the safety of residents, several roads in and around Emmarentia will be closed to traffic on the day," said Vanessa Papas, the Walk the Talk public relations co-ordinator.
Joburg metro police and the Johannesburg Roads Agency will help to make sure that roads are closed half an hour before each walk begins. "Roads will be reopened immediately after every intersection is clear of walkers, therefore allowing the least possible time of closure," Papas explained.
The organisers would also ensure that the area was thoroughly cleaned up after the event. There is secure parking at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens; access is off Thomas Bowler Avenue, from Beyers Naude Drive, on the day.
Prize giving will be held at the Marks Park Sports Club at 12.30pm, where prize money of R20 000 will be handed over to the winners of the 42km and 21km routes. Commemorative medals will be awarded to everybody who completes their routes within the specified time.
A comprehensive list of all road closures, as well as a detailed route map, are available on the Talk Radio 702 website.
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