DESPITE the shenanigans outplaying itself at the Soweto Marathon Trust members not trusting one another, the ‘People’s Race’ will go on.
The 2023 Soweto Marathon has been confirmed for November 5, racing off and ending at FNB Stadium.
On Wednesday morning in Soweto, at the media launch, the organisers also revealed new partnership in the form of African Bank for the next five years, although no figures were given.
S’busiso Khumalo- chief marketing officer at African Bank, says it was of key significance to be part of this historical marathon because of the history associated with our bank during Apartheid.
“Hope, resilience are the ethos of this bank hence we saw it fit to be associated with the marathon and rally behind it, because of the same history we’re talking about, for the bank played a key role in funding small businesses in Soweto.
“Soweto is the home that started the African Bank and being part of the marathon is part of our mandate,” says Khumalo.
It was also confirmed SuperSport will televise a full marathon, half marathon and 10km, due to contractual obligations.
Last year it was not televised as both pay channel and SABC were at loggerheads.
Steven Khanyile from Soweto Marathon Trust says he hopes all these back and forth and suspended members would eventually realise the marathon is bigger than everyone.
“Sense must prevail and my appeal is to let the marathon go ahead, since we have a new sponsor and the rest will be discussed on tables, not publicly because it hurts the brand and it can’t be,” commented Khanyile, who is also from Central Gauteng Association.
On the development side, Khanyile noted in future they hope to produce world athletes and Olympians, ‘it is our aim’.
First prize would remain R250,000, and entry fees have been reduced to R380 from R550 for the marathon, R300 from R450 for the 21.1km and R280 from R350 for the 10km.
The target for this year is 50,000 entrants.
James Moloi- ASA President says petty politics would not stand in the way of the marathon not proceeding hence they decided to involve stakeholders such as Government and bringing a new sponsor.
“Our mandate is clear hence the launch today, to announce to fellow South Africans and the Continent, the race is on, so come in large numbers to be part of this historical moment once again.”
Clubs of Soweto took a decision on this matter which Soweto Marathon Trust acceded to, continued Moloi.
On the issue of Caster Semenya winning court outcome in Zurich, he said they’re engaging with legal teams to advice further on the case, and warned ‘not to be excited as yet’ but are happy that law finally prevailed, stating “we’re awaiting interpretation of law from our legal teams since French law was used”.
The ‘People’s Race’ will be known as African Bank Soweto Marathon.
Registrations open at midnight on Wednesday on sowetomarathon.com and race collection will take place at the FNB Stadium from November 2 to 4.
The marathon is on November 5.
Image (S’busiso Khumalo- CMO at African Bank- talking to members of the press at the launch in Soweto, Sakhumzi).
