“I’VE worked harder this time around, to defend my title,” remarked the 2023 African Bank Soweto Marathon winner Ntsindiso Mphakathi.
He was speaking at the bank’s internal activation held at Dr. Sam Motsuenyane Building in Midrand, this morning.
The shy, but fit as a ‘fickle’ Mphakathi says he would like to defend the title, since he’s a Sowetan; and this he attributes to maintaining good diet, enough rest and discipline.
The 2024 edition of “The People’s Race” race-off on 3 November 2024 at the Nasrec Expo Centre in the South of Joburg.
Runners are offered options of a 42.2km marathon, a 21.1km half-marathon, and a 10km race, respectively.
The African Bank Soweto Marathon has officially cemented its place as South Africa’s largest one-day running race, with thousands of participants already securing their spots.
It is officially the biggest one-day running event in the country!
Sbusiso Kumalo, Chief Marketing Officer, at African Bank says: “For African Bank, 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,” says the sporty looking Kumalo.
Runners will navigate the historic streets of Soweto, passing some of South Africa’s most significant cultural landmarks that include the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Walter Sisulu Square — where the Freedom Charter was adopted in 1955 —the Regina Mundi Church at 16km, Hector Pieterson Memorial, and Vilakazi Street, home to Nobel Peace Prize winners Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Additional heritage sites along the route include Sir Harry Oppenheimer Tower, Morris Isaacson High School, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s home, and Orlando Stadium.
This year’s edition holds special significance, as the country celebrates 30 years of democracy athletes will dedicate their runs to various causes and charities, says Head of Brand at African Bank, Zinhle Zulu, who also partook in a mini-gym at their head office.
“We’re on track with preparations in that thus far, we have 15 000 entries, and our target is 25 000 runners, so we encourage runners to register before closing date,” says Zulu, who also confirmed T- shirts are in production to mitigate what happened last year.
In 2025, the bank will be celebrating 50 years’ and so will be the marathon, and as a result, major festivities will unfold, she confirmed without revealing much.
The African Bank’s deal with the Soweto Marathon will run for five years; and this could be extended, since we’re happy with the ROIs, commented Zulu, who also emphasised they will involve communities such as SMME’s and activate social responsibility programmes, as part of the history associated with Soweto and the bank that was conceptualised some fifty-years ago, by Dr Motsuenyane, whose Foundation will be participating in this ‘audacious’ race.
This year, African Bank is not only celebrating the legacy of the race but also introducing several initiatives to enrich the experience for all runners.
The campaign’s key message – “Run the People’s Race with the Bank that Backs You” – speaks to African Bank’s ongoing support for participants. 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.
Mphakathi also showcased the new running shoes Joma, that has partnered with the race, and pointed out shyly “I will defend my title in these new running shoes”.
Entry fees for all three categories remain at the 2023 prices of R380 for the marathon, R300 for the 21km and R280 for the 10km.
Runners eager to be a part of this iconic event can still register through the official Soweto Marathon website at www.sowetomarathon.com
The prize money remains equal for both the male and female categories, with the top prize awarded to the 42km Open winner set at R250,000
Mphakathi is eager to defend his title against international competitors, particularly from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Lesotho.
According to Soweto Marathon Trust board member, the interest of the race has solicited runners from other international countries who promised they will ‘partake in virtual running’.
Top image SLM ( 2023 African Bank Soweto Marathon winner Ntsindiso Mphakathi, showing-off new Joma running shoe he will use at the marathon on November 3).
