Soweto hosts 'The People's Race'
2 November 2007
Thousands of runners will take to the streets of Soweto on Sunday for the annual People's Race through South Africa's famous township. With nearly R1-million in prize money, it is the country's richest standard marathon.
Now in its 16th year, the annual Nedbank Soweto Marathon, as it is officially known, is supported by the City of Johannesburg and is run under the auspices of Athletics South Africa (ASA).
The marathon starts from the Elkah Stadium in Moroka, Soweto, and ends at the same venue. The theme of this years' race is "Championing Change".
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.
He noted that HIV/Aids, substance abuse, and school violence has plagued society as a whole and said that, through the marathon, his organisation plans 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."
A city vision
Johannesburg's director of sports and recreation, Nosisa Mokoka, reiterated Chuene’s words, saying that it is 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 ASA wants 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.
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.
Four categories
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 marathon will each pocket R100 000; second and third place finishers will take home 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. While entries closed on 24 October, entries for the 5km fun run will still be open on the
day of the marathon.
For more information, contact Athletics South Africa on 011 880 5800 or e-mail mathaseries@athleticssa.co.za.
Source: City of Johannesburg
| 
