This year’s Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run – South Africa’s biggest social and recreational event, hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which is based in Houghton Estate, and the Gauteng Provincial Government – will take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday, 8 December 2019.
Tens of thousands of South African social and professional walkers and runners will again start and finish at the Union Buildings this year, with a 5km walk as well as a 10 and 21km run. Last year’s half marathon attracted some of South Africa’s top runners such as marathon superstar Stephen Mokoka and former Comrades marathon winners Charne Bosman and Ludwick Mamabolo. Others to participate in the various events last year included US Open wheelchair tennis semi-finalist Kgothatso Montjane as well as, football legends Shaun Bartlett, Kalusha Bwalya and Jabulani Mendu. The two running categories will have winners’ prize money of R5 000 in each age and sex category. Race numbers for the run will include Champion Chip timing for professional runners.
The walk will again be held alongside the Nelson Mandela Liberation Route, a significant tourist attraction, which boasts various heritage sites linked to the former South African president’s political history. There will be loads of entertainment for the kids and childminders will be available to look after them. There will also be food stalls and a concert on the lawns as well as fitness and boxing displays and plenty of fun for all.
Entry fee is R50 for the 5km walk, R100 for the 10km run and R150 for the 21km run. The public is encouraged to register on mandelawalkandrun.com
“The Nelson Mandela Foundation in 2019 launched its new strategy – Broadening Impact by Reaching Deeper. The new strategy is a commitment to South Africans and the world that the Nelson Mandela Foundation is continuing the work of Nelson Mandela to contribute to a just and equitable society. There is no better event than the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run to showcase South Africans of all walks of life coming together to tangibly illustrate the diverse society we all strive for. We look forward to welcoming all participants to this very special event,” said Sello Hatang, chief executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
“Madiba’s legacy was that of a society that is united in the quest for non-racialism, social justice, human equality, peace and prosperity for all and we will again be doing the Remembrance Walk and Run to honour his commitment. The Walk and Run continue to grow from strength to strength each year. We are urging people of Gauteng to come out in numbers to be part of this very special event. We encourage people of Gauteng to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle,” said Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mbali Hlophe.
Participants for the walk and run can enter online on www.mandelawalkandrun.com. In-person registration will also take place at the following outlets: Sweatshop – Centurion and Dunkeld, Runaway Sports – Pretoria, Orlando Community Centre – Johannesburg and Pilditch Stadium – Pretoria.
All proceeds raised from the entry fees are donated to The Nelson Mandela Foundation to continue with the work the foundation does to preserve and promote Madiba’s legacy.
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