As athletes prepare for the highly anticipated African Bank Soweto Marathon, South African runner and defending champion Ntsindiso Mphakathi is eager to defend his title against international competitors, particularly from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Lesotho.
This thrilling contest will unfold in Johannesburg’s bustling streets as the City of Johannesburg and African Bank join forces once again to host the 2024 edition the ever-popular African Bank Soweto Marathon.
The 2024 edition of “The People’s Race” kicks off on 3 November 2024 at the Nasrec Expo Centre in the south of Joburg. Offering options of a 42.2km marathon, a 21.1km half-marathon, and a 10km race, the African Bank Soweto Marathon has officially cemented its place as South Africa’s largest one-day running event, with thousands of participants already securing their spots. It is officially the biggest one-day running event in the country!
The starter’s gun will sound early on race day: 5:30am for the full marathon, 6:30am for the half-marathon, and 7:00am for the 10km race.
The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Dada Morero, will fire the starter’s gun for the 10km at 7:30am at the starting line.
Runners will navigate the historic streets of Soweto, passing some of South Africa’s most significant cultural landmarks. These 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. The halfway point of the marathon will be marked by the vibrant Soweto Theatre, adding an extra layer of energy to the race.
On race day, participants can look forward to a special activation by the City of Johannesburg at the Bolani Road water point near the Soweto Theatre to enhance the race experience for runners and spectators alike. Additional heritage sites along the route include Sir Harry Oppenheimer Tower, Morris Isaacson High School, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s home, and Orlando Stadium.
Soweto residents are known for their enthusiastic support, creating an unforgettable atmosphere as athletes make their way through the township. As runners approach the finish line, the sight of the iconic 2010 World Cup stadium – Africa’s calabash will signal the final stretch of their journey to the finish in Nasrec Expo Centre.
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. Among them, City of Johannesburg firefighters normally run the full 42.2km marathon in full gear, paying tribute to their fallen colleagues who lost their lives in the tragic Bank of Lisbon building fire in 2018.
Throughout the event, City officials will ensure safety with the help of the City of Joburg’s Emergency Management Service, Joburg Road Agency, and Joburg Metro Police Department personnel stationed along the race routes.
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.
INFO SUPPLIED.
