Scenes from the 2023 Soweto Marathon. Picture: Neil McCartney / The Citizen
Soweto will be a congested sporting mecca this weekend.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has issued a traffic advisory for Sunday’s Soweto Marathon, while the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) warned of a clash with football fans on Saturday.
The collection of race packs for the marathon concludes on Saturday, with the CoJ asking that they be completed long before Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns kickoff at 6pm at FNB Stadium.
The marathon is anticipating roughly 23,000 participants, with the Carling Black Label Cup quarter-final expecting close to a 90,000 capacity turnout.
On Saturday, the Soweto Highway will be closed between the N1 offramp and the FNB Stadium, with JMPD having 150 officers on duty in and around the stadium.
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For the marathon, CoJ said it has 1,800 volunteers to assist with logistics and the numerous water points around the mazy routes.
Nature will add an extra element, with weather warnings issued for Saturday and Sunday as temperatures are expected to hover in the mid-thirties.
The marathon has three distances with three routes and three staggered starting times.
The 42km marathon begins at 5.30am, the 21km race starts at 6.30am, while the 10km jog starts at 7.30am.
“Residents and members of the public are urged to exercise caution and patience for the duration of the race,” requested JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla.
The following roads will be closed between 4am and 5pm on Sunday:
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Major roads being used to accommodate the runners include:
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