2013 Soweto Marathon aborted – department

“After two weeks of gruelling deliberations and fund-raising efforts by the newly-formed interim committee, a difficult decision was reached to abort this year’s Soweto Marathon,” the department said in a statement.

The Soweto Marathon Trust, that was tasked with organising the race, initially announced in September it had been forced to cancel the event as it could not secure funds from Athletics SA’s (ASA) broadcast deal with the SABC.

However, ASA denied that the race had been cancelled and vowed it would make an effort to ensure the iconic race would be held on November 3.

Following conflicting reports, Gauteng sport MEC Lebogang Maile set up a committee consisting of the City of Johannesburg, Central Gauteng Athletics, the Gauteng Sport Council, and the Soweto Sport Council.

“It is heartbreaking to see the Soweto marathon, the only South African premier race that takes place in the township, facing such serious challenges,” Maile said on Thursday.

“As the provincial government we want to immediately support the organisers in preparing for next year’s marathon, so that they are able to present a world-class event at the time when the country is celebrating 20 years of our democracy.”

The department said due to time constraints it would not be possible to prepare for a race of this magnitude in two weeks’ time. “The committee has been able to raise about 80 percent of the requisite budget, but there is a R1 million shortfall,” the MEC said.

Maile said the team worked around the clock to raise funds to rescue the event, but had to face facts regarding the hosting of the event. ASA president James Evans declined to comment.

– Sapa