It’s all systems go for the Soweto Marathon

03 November 2016

 

The Old Mutual-Soweto Marathon is back.  More than 25 000 athletes from all parts of Southern Africa will on Sunday November 6 converge into FNB Stadium, outside Diepkloof, Soweto, to line up for one of the most popular and gruelling races on Johannesburg’s athletics calendar.

 

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) will deploy more than 200 officers to ensure the safety of the runners and of other road users.    JMPD Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar says the entire team will ensure the runners have “a memorable experience”.  "Major routes will be affected, so we advise motorists to be patient and look out for runners on the road,” says Minnaar.  He says traffic should start flowing freely after the race.  

 

Emergency Management Services’ Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi says officers will be deployed at several strategic points along the route to assist those who might need medical attention.  The marathon has been divided into three races – the standard 42.2km marathon, which starts at 6am; half-marathon, which kicks off at 6:30am; and the 10km-run, which gets under way at 7am.

 

Central Gauteng Athletics President James Moloi says runners have an exciting race to look forward to.  “The route honours Soweto’s rich history. The runners will pass six significant heritage sites, such as the Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital, the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication, Orlando West's Vilakazi Street (where two Nobel Peace laureates – the late former President Nelson Mandela, and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu – used to live), Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Rockville, Morris Isaacson High School in White City Jabavu and the Hector Pieterson Memorial in Orlando West,” said Moloi. 

 

He says the race will also showcase major developments that have taken place in the world-famous township over the past few years.  For the first time in the history of the race, it will start and finish at FNB Stadium.

 

“There’s no better place to host this marathon, which is designed to inspire athletes across the world, than Johannesburg,” says Moloi.  He adds that he is grateful for the support the City of Johannesburg has provided Central Gauteng Athletics.  “The City has been involved from day one and part of the reason for backing the marathon is to promote a healthy lifestyle among Joburgers," Moloi says.