On November 5, the 2023 Soweto Marathon will kick off with a new broadcaster, sponsor and lower entry fees. Organizers announced this on Wednesday, saying they are targeting 50,000 participants. The Soweto Marathon invites athletes from all over South Africa to participate. Formally known as the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon, this event consists of a 42.2 kilometer standard marathon, a 21.1 kilometer half marathon, and a 10 kilometer run. The race takes place at the beautiful FNB Stadium in the vibrant and historic Soweto Township, on the outskirts of Johannesburg, Gauteng’s city centre. This is both the place of departure and the place of arrival. Each participant will receive a race pack; containing bib number, gift T-shirt, timing chip and bib/large; as well as a commemorative medal.
Soweto Marathon 2023
Soweto is the largest city in the country and has a deep and complex history. Today it is a vibrant center of activity and growth, telling the moving story of the Rainbow Nation that is South Africa. Following the withdrawal of Old Mutual a few years ago, African Bank took over the role of title sponsor for five years. The Supersport pay channel, contracted to Athletics South Africa (ASA) for all local athletics events, will broadcast the race offering a full marathon, half marathon and 10km.
Entry fees have been reduced to R380 from R3550 for the marathon, R280 from R350 for the 10km and R300 from R450 for the 21.1km. Last year almost 20,000 runners participated. Making it the most attended one-day race in the country, despite the fact that the event had no corporate support. R250,000 would still be the first prize. Race director Danny Blumberg said: ‘We are ready for you. We organized the event with more than 40,000, given the expected goal of 50,000 tickets. On Wednesday, registration for the “People’s Race” will open at midnight on sowetomarathon.com, and race collection will take place at the FNB Stadium from November 2-4.
“Having the Soweto Marathon this year is the biggest award we all have to celebrate.” African Bank Marketing Director Sbusiso Khumalo had this to say when asked why, despite the bank coming on board as the new title sponsor of the race, the first prize is still R250,000. Khumalo suggested that the amount of money could be increased in the coming years, insisting that the first step was to ensure that the race could continue amid the chaos that erupted a few weeks ago when some of the Soweto Trust board members, who have since been suspended, declared the race to be abandoned.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education