Excitement builds around Soweto Marathon

The race, fondly known as the People’s Race, is the highlight on the calendar for many runners, not only from a logistical and race organisational perspective, but equally from a historical and patriotic perspective.

The race route honours Soweto’s rich history with participants passing eight heritage sites on the marathon route, including the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Walter Sisulu Square, the Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Credo Mutwa Cultural Village, Morris Isaacson High School and June 16 Memorial Acre, Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.

“The Soweto Marathon is so much more than just a road race. It’s a celebration of our history, our heritage and our country and a reminder to runners that resilience, perseverance and commitment are key to success, even when times are tough and the road is long.

“We are proud of how the race has grown year after year and look forward to yet another exciting and successful event this year,” said Soweto Marathon Trust chairman Sello Khunou.

A significant number in South African history, the 27th Soweto Marathon shares the same number as Nelson Mandela’s 27 years of incarceration, giving the 2022 edition of the race and the landmarks one passes on the route, even greater symbolism and meaning.

The race consists of three different distances – the 42.2km marathon, the 21.1km half marathon and a 10km run, all of which start and end at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

With pre-race activities soon to be announced, the race is clear in its intent. This is to encourage meaningful conversations about health and fitness and provide motivation for everyone to get active, no matter their age, race or income level, as a fitness lifestyle can be enjoyed anywhere and anytime.

“The Soweto Marathon is the People’s Race and we desire to enable and empower all runners, including novices and first-timers, the time-challenged and those without resources for specialist equipment and training, the opportunity to overcome their challenges and avoid injuries.

“This will ensure that the race is not only enjoyable and safe but will provide them with the best opportunity to achieve their personal goals,” continued Sello Khunou.

“From an organisational and technical perspective, our goal is always to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for runners and spectators alike, “ said Danny Blumberg, the race director.

“Despite the Covid-19 impact, people are as enthusiastic as ever, an indication of our sound methods and solid brand. So we’ll stick to what we know best and promise another world-class event on November 6.”
If you haven’t yet entered, do so at www.sowetomarathon.com

WIN your entry into the marathon

The Soweto Marathon Trust is giving away free entries into each of the three categories to the brave sportsmen and -women. Hurry along and enter the competition now.

Up for grabs are:

• 10 x 42km Soweto Marathon entries valued at R550 each

• 10 x 21.1km entries valued at R450 each

• 10 x 10km entries valued at R350 each.

Winners will receive a Soweto Marathon shirt when they attend the race expo on November 4 and 5 at the FNB Stadium.

Ts and Cs

• Enter via email to caroline@theprmachine.co.za with Soweto Marathon and the km distance you want to enter in the subject box. Please include your name, surname, ID number and contact details in the body of the email.

• The first 10 entries into the different categories, who send their details to caroline@theprmachine.co.za will be the lucky winners. Please ensure that your entries are sent between October 19 and October 20. No entries before October 19 and no entries after October 20 will be accepted.

• No correspondence will be entered into once the winners have been chosen.

• Prizes are not transferable for cash.

• You will receive your code to enter via email from the organisers.

• Your prize is not transferrable. Should you not be able to take part in the race the next person in line will receive your prize.