Joburg gears to go the distance
26 October 2004
As summer and the sun indicate that year-end holidays are drawing near, Johannesburg residents, backed up by a good number of people from further afield, are gearing up for two of the city's largest participation sporting events: the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon and the Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge.
The marathon takes place first, on 7 November, and Athletics South Africa's event manager, Linda Ferns, is expecting it to draw a big field of runners. "We are expecting 4 000 runners for the marathon, 3 000 runners for the 10 kilometre race, 1 500 for the 20 kilometre walking event and 1 000 for the 5 kilometre fun run," she said. To save you the trouble of adding that up, that makes it 9 500 participants.
The People's Race
The Old Mutual Soweto Marathon – known as The People's Race – is also the richest standard marathon in South Africa, with total prize money on offer standing at a whopping R420 000. There is
equal prize money of R50 000 for the first-place finishers in both the men's and women's marathons. The winners of the 10 kilometre race will pocket R5 000 each.
Significantly, in the year of its centenary, the route has been changed to take in some sites of significance in Soweto. These include running along Vilakazi Street, past the houses of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former President Nelson Mandela. It is the only street in the world that can boast two Nobel Peace Prize winners.
"We are very excited about this year's event," says Chief Executive Officer of Athletics South Africa, Banele Sindani. "This is the last event on the Athletics South Africa calendar and it will be part of our strategy to celebrate 10 years of democracy."
Over 24 000 cyclists
On 21 November, the Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge, which is the second largest timed cycling race in the world, behind only the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour, takes place.
In excess of 24 000 cyclists have already registered for it.
Race organiser, Tanya Harford, says the huge event has excellent spin-offs: "The Cycle Challenge provides a huge boost for the economy of Johannesburg and Gauteng. It has generated jobs in the cycle industry, including shops, gyms, manufacturing, as well as providing temporary employment to thousands in the build-up to and on Cycle Challenge Sunday."
One of the primary aims of the Cycle Challenge is to encourage safe cycling and plenty of effort has been put into getting the message across. Cycle Challenge clinics have been emphasising the safety aspect of the sport, while riders have also been encouraged to join clubs, where they can get advice on training, racing, and understanding cycling.
Free training clinics
Cycle Lab, run by former professional Andrew McLean, who appears on Supersport's popular Supercycling show, has also been doing its bit to promote the race.
Every Wednesday, at the AA Kyalami race track and Wesbank Raceway, up until the day of the Cycle Challenge, Cycle Lab has been, and will be, hosting training clinics at no cost.
Natasha Wadvalla, the public relations manager for radio station, 94.7, says: "The Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge is going all out to prove that it is Joburg's safest race. The clinics will cover all aspects of training and preparation needed for the Cycle Challenge and teach all peculiarities of cycling, from slipstreaming to how to ride safely in a bunch."
Something that certainly helps make the race a safe one is that it has total road closure. That's no mean feat in the biggest city in South Africa.
'The city is thrilled'
Bongi Makaba is the City of Johannesburg's events manager. He says the city is wholeheartedly behind the race: "The city is thrilled to once again be involved in this event. It demonstrates to the world the infrastructure Joburg has,
and adds to our objective of showcasing Joburg as the sporting capital of South Africa."
The day before the race, on Saturday, 20 November, children will also enjoy the opportunity of being part of the Cycle Challenge when 3 500 are expected at AA Kyalami for the children's events. They include four age group categories, including two to six, seven and eight, nine and 10, and 11 to 13.
Cyclists from previously disadvantage backgrounds are also assisted, being provided with complimentary entry. So, too, are disabled cyclists. In 2003 a total of 546 free entries were provided.
'Raising money for the underprivileged'
"We are raising money for the underprivileged people in Johannesburg," says Pick ‘n Pay marketing director Jonathan Ackerman, "and this race is an incredible platform for raising that awareness."
Phil Liggett, who is universally recognised as the Voice of Cycling, will be doing commentary on the Cycle Challenge. He
is an enthusiastic fan of South Africa, and of South African cycling, and has previously stated that the Cycle Challenge is the best cycling event of its kind in the world. Enough said.
Source: City of Johannesburg
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