Athletes and road running enthusiasts have been assured that the annual Soweto Marathon will take place this year.
The 30th edition of the event will now be on the 29th of November, starting from Nasrec, crisscrossing the Soweto township and finishing at the FNB Stadium.
The annual event, popularly known as “The People’s Race” has experienced a number of challenges in recent times. From fighting for recognition of the rightful ownership of the race, to lack of sponsorship.
But the Soweto Marathon has risen above it all and maintained its reputation as one of the most popular roads running events in the country.
The race showcases a number of significant and historic landmarks in Soweto.
The event, that usually takes place on the first weekend of November, now has a new date, due to other major gatherings in Gauteng.
“So, we were all systems go for the 30th. There is one more shift, that date was brought into our attention that it clashes with the National Prayer Day at the Soccer City precinct. So, our events cannot co-exist on the same day. So, we decided to shift it to Saturday the 29th of November,” says Race Director of Soweto Marathon Danny Blumberg,
The Soweto Marathon also gives the economy in the township a boost.
African Bank came on board in 2023 and is still committed to be part of the race, for the benefit of the people of Soweto and those who are invested in road running.
“This is a race of the people. It is also a race about the economy of Soweto, the township economy. Over 30 000 of people who decide to run the Soweto Marathon bring money to Soweto,” says Sbusiso Kumalo of African Bank.
Besides the standard 42. 2-kilometre distance, the event also offers a 21. 1-kilometre half-marathon and a 10-kilometre race.
