Lauren Olivier, vice-president and head of events for J.P. Morgan sub-Saharan Africa writes:
This letter is in response to the letter, ‘Resident outraged by the JP Morgan road race’, published week ending 21 March.
As an initial matter, please accept our apologies for any inconvenience and unhappiness that the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Race might have caused you.
Because it is a corporate event, it traditionally takes place during the week and through the streets of the city or suburb in which J.P. Morgan has a presence.
Traditionally, the winners of the race are all flown to the city where the season finals are held – this year it will be run in London in July.
Of equal importance is the charitable cause supported by the race. This year The Laureus Sport For Good Foundation received a substantial donation as the selected charity recipient for the race.
Please rest assured that the J.P. Morgan operating team received all the necessary approvals from the various government authorities including the Johannesburg Roads Agency, residents’ associations, and the appointed ward councillor in the area.
In addition, a yearly contribution is also made to these associations to ensure that the community is uplifted and road conditions are improved for the benefit of the residents.
We also take great care to inform all residents in the area of the upcoming temporary road closures, through adverts in the local community newspapers and the delivery of over 10 000 letters, hand-delivered to each residential household in the affected area.
All residents were still permitted access in and out of the area provided there were no runners on the road at the time.
In relation to your complaint about the music being played till 10.40pm, we must advise that we have permission from all authorities to play music until 10.30pm and we always strictly adhere to this, which we consider reasonable in the circumstances.
