World Aids Day Half-Marathon in Katlehong
Soul City, a non-profit organisation (NPO), in collaboration with the City of Ekurhuleni Sports and Recreation, held a 10km and 21km World Aids Day Half-Marathon at the Huntersfield Stadium in Katlehong on December 2.
This year marked the 28th instalment of the event that traditionally takes place on the first Sunday of December to commemorate World Aids Day on December 1.
More than 1 200 runners took part.
Atwell Sijadu, the head of city’s Sports and Recreation, said the aim of the event was to promote healthy living.
“We want people to know the value of exercise and healthy lifestyle. Whether you walk, run or take part in any form of gym or sport, it is something to do to protect you from disease” said Sijadu.
He added: “To show we are serious about promoting a healthy lifestyle through sport, we plan to stage our own race in Ekurhuleni, similar to the Soweto Marathon. I have faith in our people that they will support that race.”
Sijadu said: “Even though the race is named World Aids Day Half-Marathon, our focus is broader, creating community awareness about other chronic diseases.”
On the day, people were tested for HIV/Aids, high blood pressure and diabetes.
The winners of the race:
Top three in 21km men
• Kabelo Melamu of KMG Running Club, 1:10:36 won R1 500.
• Thato Motaung of Scaw Athletic Club, 1:10:40 won R1 000
• Retshepile Kgotle of Itheko Athletic Club, 1:10:47 and took home R500 cash
Top three in 21km women
• Poppy Mlambo from Hollywood Athletic Club, 1:31:22
• Nomsa Cossa from Sentrarand Running Club, 1:34:40
• Chrizell Roberts from Nedbank Running Club, 1:35:24
Top three in 10km men
• Lucky Mohale from Boxer Athletics Club, 32:09 won R1 000
• Samuel Moloi from Orlando Athletics, 32:10 won R500
• Kwanda Longoza from East Athletics Club, 32:45 won R300
Top three in 10km women
• Cornelia Joubert from Boxer Athletics Club, 38:24
• Farida Zwane from Tembisa Atletics Cub, 38:39
• Katleho Mangalo from East Athletics Club, 46:04
