Chatter and footsteps on Joburg’s streets
JOBURG - The atmosphere at the 2014 Discovery 702 Walk the Talk was vibrant as 50 000 Joburg residents turned up to walk and talk their way through the streets in three different races on 27 July.
Kicking off the day, the participants braved the chill to tackle the 20km Freedom Walk, which celebrated 20 years of South Africa’s democracy. Moments before the walkers started the event, they warmed up their vocal chords by singing along with PJ Powers to the national anthem.
On route, participants could be spotted wearing their long-sleeve yellow Walk the Talk t-shirts and striding through the city and passing by the Nelson Mandela Bridge and Constitutional Hill.
At 9am, it was time for 25 000 entrants to walk the 8km route. The start line was abuzz with participants donning grey Walk the Talk t-shirts and dancing to the beat of the music to keep warm. They too belted out the national anthem and participating in Mexican waves before setting off for a walk and talk. Throughout the race, the walkers kept their spirits high and the sound of chatter and footsteps were dominant on the route.
Many of the walkers brought their dogs along for the exercise and the four-legged friends were treated to water stations along the way and goodie bags. All of the water stations were electric with supporters keeping the walkers not only hydrated by encouraged too with their songs, music and cheers.
While most of the walkers took up the challenge for fun, some walked to win it. Lebogang Shange won the men’s title and Michelle Hopkins won the women’s title.
The 17 000 participants in the 5km walk set off at 11am and the atmosphere was just as jubilant.
The races ended at Marks Park Sports Club where participants, and their dogs, received medals.
The joyous spirit of the day was upheld at the sports club as participants were buzzing with excitement from having completed their walks and took time to soak up the sun and fill up on tasty treats while talking some more with fellow walkers. Music also kept the vibrant mood alive.
Participants agreed that the day was well organised with little hassles and the instructions were well sign-posted. Metro police kept the crowds and motorists in order and along with Talk Radio 702, Discovery and city council, participants expressed gratitude to the residents who live along the route for sacrificing access to their properties during the walks.
