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Joburg walks the freedom talk
21 July 2004
Johannesburg residents will celebrate democracy in energetic fashion on Sunday 25 July at the 702 Walk the Talk, the main attraction of this year's event being a commemorative 10-kilometre walk - a kilometre for each year of freedom South Africans have enjoyed since 1994.
The 702 Walk the Talk is the only walking marathon in Africa and one of the largest walks in the world. The first walk, in 2000, drew 12 000 entrants; by 2003 this had expanded to 22 000. This year organisers expect 25 000 - making it one of the largest mass participation events in South Africa.
The 10km walk celebrating democracy - hosted by Radio 702 and the City of Johannesburg - is open to anyone, and team entries are encouraged.
- You can still enter for all the events -
organisers will accept late entries "until numbers run out", though you'll have to go to the Wanderers Cricket Stadium to fill in an entry form and pay the entry fee. For more info, contact the race office at (011) 463 2743.
"We want to see everyone there", says event spokeswoman Helen Gouws. "Whether you're a bridge club, Oprah's book club, a school or a large corporation - from the tea girl to the CEO - enter and walk the talk, and celebrate 10 years of freedom and democracy."
There is also a 5km fun walk - "the perfect distance for children, dog walkers, parents with prams and pensioners" - and, for serious walkers, the 21km and 42km officially timed races.
The 21km event is restricted to competitors at least 16 years old, and the 42km race to those at least 20 years old, and participants in either race must have a Central Gauteng Athletics licence (a temporary one can be bought on the day for R14 or R20).
The organisers have promised to ensure safety
and convenience for walkers, with roads closed off, marshalls and paramedics on hand, water and coca-cola all along the route, and plenty of toilets.
The walks all start outside the Wanderers Cricket Stadium in Corlett Drive - the 42km and 21km races at 6.30am and 7.30am respectively, the 10km walk at 8.30am and the 5km walk at 10.30am.
Entrance costs R30 for the 5km walk, R40 for the 10km event, R50 for the 21km and R60 for the 42km race - with discounts for over-60s and under-18s.
The South African Guide Dogs Association for the Blind is the official beneficiary of the
event, and an optional donation can be made with every entrance fee. The dogs and their handlers will be on hand to demonstrate their skills.
The walk isn't the only fun to be had on the day. At the finish, on the Wanderers cricket pitch, there'll be "entertainment galore", says Gouws. "Meet some of your favorite 702 radio personalities and listen to your favorite South African bands."
Commemorative medals will be awarded to all finishers, with the prize-giving ceremony scheduled for 12.30pm at the stadium.
Walkers can bring picnic baskets along and relax at the end of the races, while large teams can book hospitality sites - to do so, contact Verde Wiese on (011) 463 2743 or e-mail verde@hsp.co.za.
For more information, visit the website, e-mail walkthetalk@702.co.za, or call 0862 702 702.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
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