THE 27th edition of the popular race in Africa- Soweto Marathon returns to the streets of ekasie.
It has been pencilled for November 06 starting and ending at the Calabash- FNB Stadium, Nasrec.
Over 20-thousands athletes are expected to partake in this historical race, after a two year absence due to the pandemic.
Families are also invited to bring along kiddies and mkhulus to test their fitness against the runners, who will be drawn from all over the world.
Soweto Marathon Trust Chairman Sello Khunou says the post-Covid return is long overdue and extends his condolences to people who lost loved ones to the pandemic.
“We’re back with a bang. It’ll be a special edition and possibly our best race ever,” Khunou enthuses.
An estimated 20 000 athletes from around the world will start and finish from FNB Stadium on Sunday, November 6.
“Entries are still open, so we encourage all to enter and experience the rich history on offer,” says Khunou.
The “People’s Race” is one of the toughest events on the athletics calendar, and athletes will face many a hill as they chase for glory. The challenging route and soaring temperatures never deter the thousands who enter year on year.
The 42km marathon will start at 05:30am, the 21km at 6:30am and the 10km at 07:30am, respectively.
The marathon, celebrating its 27th iteration, will trace some of the most historic routes of the township to inspire the runners and reflect on Soweto’s heritage.
They will pass through the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the third-largest hospital in South Africa, Regina Mundi Catholic Church, which is one of the prominent churches that played a pivotal role during apartheid, Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world where two Noble Peace prize winners former president Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu resided, the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Orlando Stadium.
At the time of posting, talks for a title sponsorship were being ironed out.
Image (Thousands of runners will gather for this years’ Soweto Marathon on Sunday 6).
