The countdown to the 2024 African Bank Soweto Marathon began with an internal launch hosted at Midrand at the Dr Sam Motsuenyane Building on October 3. The marathon will be held on November 3.
Chief marketing officer of African Bank, Sibusiso Kumalo, said: “Soweto is our home and we are not just a bank but a community about winning and conquering.”
He encouraged everyone to participate and have fun. He said they are a brand about advancing lives and have started CSI programmes to give back to the community.
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Initiatives aimed at supporting runners have also been introduced this year under the theme ‘Run the People’s Race with the Bank that Backs You’.
This will also be showcased through the Audacious Rewards Programme, with runners set to receive 50% back in rewards when entering using their African Bank cards.
“The Soweto Marathon is much more than a sporting event. It is deeply connected to African Bank’s roots, which trace back to 1975, when the bank began empowering communities similar to Soweto, advancing dreams and helping to build financial independence for those with the audacity to believe.
“As the headline sponsor, we honour the spirit of Soweto while championing the dreams and ambitions of those who participate,” said Kumalo.
Soweto Marathon Trust secretary Thokozani Mazibuko thanked the committee for putting the event together.
“We are ready and prepared for the marathon. We are doing everything in our power to redeem ourselves from last year,” said Mazibuko.
Even though last year’s race was a big success, there were complaints from some runners who did not receive their T-shirts.
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Organisers also got some backlash on social media regarding this but they have vowed to make things right this year.
The marathon has partnered with Joma Apparel this year to produce race T-shirts and running shoes designed exclusively for the event. As always, the bright and bold-coloured T-shirt will reflect and celebrate the vibrancy of Soweto.
Instructor from Pop-up gym, Nkosi Fit came to help with exercises and stretches to prepare runners for this year’s People’s Race.
The 2023 winner, Ntsindiso Mphakathi said he is ready for this year’s marathon and has registered.
“This race requires a lot of discipline from yourself. I exercise twice a day and make sure that I eat clean and do not consume any alcohol,” said Mphakathi.
When asked what impact being the winner has had on his career, Mphakathi said it has done a lot for him but he believes this is only the beginning.
Lindsey Parry, known as coach Parry, said the beauty of the marathon is that it accommodates everyone. He went on to give tips and tricks on how to handle and tackle race day.
