September 28, 2007
By Lesego Madumo
THOUSANDS of runners are expected to take part in the People's Race through Soweto, the country's richest standard marathon.
Now in its 16th year, the annual Nedbank Soweto Marathon, as it is officially known, takes place on Sunday, 4 November.
It is supported by the City and is run under the auspices of Athletics South Africa (ASA). The marathon starts from and ends at the Elkah Stadium in Moroka, Soweto; this year the theme is "Championing change".
"Since this year's theme is about change, we want it to affect the people of Soweto for the better," said Leonard Chuene, the ASA president.
Chuene noted that HIV/Aids, substance abuse, and school violence had plagued society as a whole. Through the marathon, his organisation planned to fight these scourges by influencing young people to participate in sports.
"We want to use the marathon to fight this war because we understand Soweto's frustrations. That is why we want to hold hands and … take you back to good health."
The City's director of sports and recreation, Nosisa Mokoka, reiterated his words, saying that it was a City vision "to help loitering kids to liberate themselves physically and socially through sporting activities". Through the marathon, "the City is trying to get young kids off the streets and encourage them to finish school and grow to become responsible adults".
Chuene said the ASA wanted the marathon to be a meaningful experience, "particularly for Sowetans". Describing the People's Race as a marathon solely owned by Soweto's residents, he urged them to take part in and embrace it.
Annoucing the Soweto Marathon: the president of Athletic South Africa, Leonard Chuene, the City's director of sports and recreation, Nosisa Mokoka, and Andy Scott, the head of group sponsorship from Nedbank
(Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
Setting out from Moroka's Elkah Stadium, the runners will race past Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, the Hector Pieterson Memorial, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's house and the Jabulani Hostel.
There are four categories: the 42,2km race, which starts at 6am, is reserved for athletes of 20 years and older, as is the 20km walk, which starts at 7.30am. To take part in the 10km wheelchair race, participants must be 15 years and older, while those taking part in the 5km fun run must be nine years and older.
With a total prize purse of R806 700, the male and female winners of the 42,2km race will each pocket R100 000; second and third placed in this race will pocket R80 000 and R60 000, respectively.
The winners of the 20km race will take home R5 000 each; second place gets R3 500 and third wins R3 000.
The 10km wheelchair race begins at 6am at a separate starting point; the 5km fun run starts at the same place at 7.40am. Entries close on Wednesday, 24 October, although entries for the 5km fun run will still be open on the day of the marathon.
Entrance for all the races is R5, and participants will get T-shirts and goody bags. Medals will be awarded to all race and walk finishers. To enter the Nedbank Soweto Marathon, or for further information, contact Athletics South Africa on 011 880 5800 or email mathaseries@athleticssa.co.za.
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