THE marathon will start and end at the Expo Centre Johannesburg (Nasrec) on Sunday November 1, and promises to be even bigger and better than last year’s event.
Registration for the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon closes on Tuesday October 6.
The re-launched Soweto Marathon promises to be better than ever. With a returning title sponsor, a new vision and a renewed passion to connect with athletes from all over the world, the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon is set to become one of the must-do races on the South African road running calendar.
Already a title sponsor of the biggest inland ultra-marathon Om die dam, Cape Town’s iconic ultra-marathon, the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, and a major sponsor of the world-renowned Comrades Marathon, Old Mutual is proud to add the Soweto Marathon to their impressive portfolio of endurance events.
With Old Mutual returning as a sponsor and a renewed focus from the event organisers to put on a world-class event, the race promises to be the best Soweto Marathon yet.
“There is no better way to show our commitment to local initiatives than to get involved in the one sport that all South Africans can participate in,” says Bandile Mngoma, Sponsorships Manager at Old Mutual Emerging Markets.
“Many South Africans have achieved international glory through running, while many more strive to achieve their lifelong personal goals through running. At Old Mutual, we’re honoured to play a role in the dreams and aspirations of those South Africans.”
Soweto itself is a world-famous township and has a significant place in South Africa’s modern history. The Old Mutual Soweto Marathon pays homage to this heritage by taking runners past many of its iconic landmarks.
Runners will pass six significant heritage sites on the marathon route, including Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (the third largest hospital in the world), Walter Sisulu Square (birthplace of 1955’s Freedom Charter that emphasised a non-racial society, liberty and individual rights), Regina Mundi Catholic Church (also referred to as “the people’s church” due to its role in the anti-apartheid struggle), Morris Isaacson High School, Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.
“The Old Mutual Soweto Marathon will encourage South Africans to learn more about the rich heritage of Soweto – which has been home to two Nobel Peace Prize Winners, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu – as well as expose international runners to one of the most vibrant and historically significant parts of the country,” says Mngoma.
Dubbed ‘The People’s Race’, the Soweto Marathon already has a special place in the hearts of many South African runners. Old Mutual hopes that many more runners will now get a taste of the history and importance of Soweto.
On days when sports events take place in Soweto, the heart of the town is alive with passion, smiles and vibrant noise. The Old Mutual Soweto Marathon promises to offer a similar experience to all runners, leaving every participant with a desire to return to the race again and again. “It’s our vision that the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon becomes a race that every South African runner aspires to do,” says Mngoma.
There will be a 10km run and half marathon this year. The 10km route will take runners into Diepkloof, while the 21.1km route will run past the Orlando Stadium and through Orlando.
