The Soweto Marathon takes place through the streets of one of South Africa’s most famous townships and sought-after tourist destinations. The event w ill take place on 2 November, and has grown to be one of the biggest sporting events in the country since its inception in 1991. With total prize money of R806 700, it is South Africa’s richest standard marathon, and attracts about 10 000 local and international participants annually.
Sole to Soul
Run under a particular theme each year, the marathon is composed of 4 categories: the 42,2 kilometre race, the 20 kilometre walk, the 10 kilometre wheelchair race, and the 5 kilometre fun run for athletes 9 years and older. Whichever option you choose it’s the friendliest possible way to get a taste of this remarkable township.
Take to the Streets
Since the establishment of the township in 1905 as a dormitory for migrant workers, Soweto has developed into a cosmopolitan urban city composed of shack settlements, matchbox houses and millionaire mansions.
The cultural vibrancy of Soweto is most manifest during the Soweto Marathon where residents usually come out in full support to line the streets in their thousands, playing loud music, dancing and cheering runners on in a show of camaraderie – it’s a street party dressed as a road race that you won’t want to miss.
More than a Marathon Route
From the starting line at Elkah Stadium in the township of Moroka, the route takes runners to Kliptown’s Freedom Square where the Freedom Charter was signed 50 years ago. From Freedom Square, runners head for Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, considered on of the finest teaching hospitals in the world.
Runners go through the township of Diepkloof where some of the famous hostels that characterise the township are located. The race passes through Meadowlands to Orlando West, on Mncube Drive, then on to the celebrated Vilakazi Street where once lived 2 Nobel laureates, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
From Vilakazi Street the route takes runners past the Hector Pietersen Memorial and Museum. The museum is only a stone’s throw from where young Pietersen was shot during the 1976 Soweto Students uprising. The route passes Jabulani on to Koma Road, the last leg of the race.
Beyond the Finish Line
En-route, look out for some of Soweto’s newest developments. Like 200 000 newly planted trees – part of the city’s initiative to ‘Green Soweto’ ahead of 2010, the new 4-star Holiday Inn in Kliptown, up-market Maponya Mall as well as other 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ legacy projects. So pack your trainers, join the throng and experience the changing face of Soweto for yourself.
To enter the Nedbank Soweto Marathon, or for further information, contact Athletics South Africa on +27 (0)11 880 5800.
©Photographs are courtesy and copyright of www.joburg.org.za
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