The people’s race lights up Soweto #SowetoMarathon
More than 25000 athletes take on the Soweto Marathon.
The biggest township marathon in the country and the African continent was a hit with athletes from all walks of life this past weekend.
As usual, the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon did not disappoint with thousands of athletes braving the morning cold to line up at the starting line at the FNB Stadium.
Ethiopian athlete Sintayehu Yinesu took the 42KM title when he hit the finish line at 2:20:44 making him the three times consecutive winner in the men’s category.
His compatriot Selam Abere Alebachew took home the title in the women’s contest after hitting the finish line at 2:42:32.
Sintayehu Legese Yinesu of @nedbanksport wins the @OldMutualSA Marathon! #OMSowetoMarathon pic.twitter.com/2CtdePa5SJ
— African Bank Soweto Marathon (@SowetoMarathon) November 6, 2016
Your top 3 ladies in the @OldMutualSA Soweto Marathon all in @Nedbank_RC green #OMSowetoMarathon pic.twitter.com/zlOHJl7hzu
— African Bank Soweto Marathon (@SowetoMarathon) November 6, 2016
It was not easy but it was worth it. Greater than yourself @SowetoMarathon @OldMutualSA #21KM #RunSoweto #SowetoMarathon pic.twitter.com/ibqKbvQsK3
— Mzwandile Khathi (@MzwaJourno) November 6, 2016
21km runners put on their dancing shoes as they warm up #BabesWodumo get them dancing @SowetoMarathon #SowetoMarathon #SABCsport ^LL pic.twitter.com/Eei0BVW1gN
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) November 6, 2016
Even though Ethiopians dominated the marathon again this year, South Africa was represented in the top ten.
In its 23rd edition this year, the Soweto Marathon attracted more than 25000 athletes from across the country and outside. What makes the people’s race even more special is the different heritage sites that athletes get to enjoy throughout the route.
Walter Sisulu Square which is the birthplace of the Freedom Charter and the famous Vilakazi Street were among those heritage sites that were hit with athletes taking time off from the race to pose for selfies.
“The Old Mutual Soweto Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a journey into our past, present and future.
“Some of our nation’s greatest heroes have come from Soweto, and we are certain that many more great South Africans are taking – and will be taking – their first steps in Soweto,” said Karen Thomas, Old Mutual Head of Brand after the race.
The prize money was as impressive as the race itself with all of the age categories receiving thousands of cash.
For most participants, the most important thing was being part of one of the iconic events in the calendar of road running in the country.
