2014 UNITE 2.0 campaign, an initiative of Sport & Recreation South Africa and the Department of Arts and Culture, in conjunction with Athletics South Africa, will this year include athletics, road running and walking and cycling – the two sporting codes which have amongst the largest number of professional and recreational participants.
On November 22 South Africans will unite for the Nelson Mandela Sports and Culture Day, and both amateur and professional athletes from around South Africa can compete in a number of different events in remembrance of Mandela.
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula has expressed recently how he has become a fitness fanatic and wants to make South Africa a healthy nation. His inspiration, Nelson Mandela, was also a fitness fanatic, and Minister Mbalula hopes that South African will both unite for Mandela and for their health and take part in this historical day.
It is a great pleasure to announce that two former Comrades winners will serve as Ambassadors for Unite 2.0 this year.
The legendary nine-time Comrades winner Bruce Fordyce will be joined by 2014 winner Bongmusa Mthembu, and both will take part in the road race alongside thousands of South Africans on November 22.
The main event is the 27km road race, in remembrance of the 27 years Madiba spent in prison. Starting at the Union Buildings at 06:30, the winner of the race will pocket R100 000, while they will also receive R50 000 to donate to the charity of their choice. This race is especially for professional runners.
The next event, for both runners and walkers is the 9.4km race, in memory of our democratic breakthrough in 1994. Getting under way at 06:45, the prize for the winning runner is R25 000 (and an additional R15 000 for the charity of their choice), while the prize for the walk is R15 000 (with R7 000 for their charity). This development race is to encourage young athletes across South Africa to be part of the festivities.
Finally there will be a 5km fun walk for families, youngsters, the elderly, and all South Africans who want to be part of the day.
Following the sporting events, a music concert will be held in front of the Union Buildings from 12:00 to 18:00, featuring many top local artists. With art exhibitions, stalls, and many other attractions it will be a memorable occasion for the entire family.
Registration:
Runners (and walkers) need to register before November 15, however early registration is best as it may close earlier if capacity is reached before.
Registration costs R70 for the 27km event, R50 for the 9.4km race and R40 for the Fun Walk.
Competitors can register on the website (www.unite4mandela.co.za)
