Wildlands actively became part of one of the biggest and most rapidly growing races in South Africa this past weekend, The Soweto Marathon – “The people’s race”. More than 19 000 runners took to the streets of Soweto, one of the most historically rich townships of South Africa.
This year, the marathon attracted widespread support and also connected runners from all over the world to six significant heritage sites dotted along the 42km route namely the Walter Sisulu Square, the Regina Mundi Catholic Church, the Moris Isaacson School, Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Memorial. The race started and finished at the Expo Centre in Johannesburg (NASREC). For the first time all three routes, including the 10km, 21km and 42km took runners through the heart of Soweto, challenging them to in revel the township’s rich history and carry out the vision of the greats that walked these streets and changed the course of South African history.
Ethiopia’s defending champion Sintayehu Legese Yinesu successfully defended his title by crossing the finish line in a time of 02:24:20 followed by Zimbabwean athlete Mike Fokoroni in a time of 02:24:12 and John Kirui from Kenya taking third place in 02:24:42.
“I feel so blessed to have been given the opportunity by Old Mutual Soweto Marathon and the support from Nedbank Sport Athlete Development Initiative, through their development of Ethiopian as well as South African runners,” said Yinesu through his translator. “Without their support it would not have been possible for me to defend my title and take the first prize for a second year running.”
In the woman’s race, Kenyan Harriet Jepchumba Chebore took victory in a time of 02:50:15, with Amelework Fikadu Bosho taking second place in a time of 02:52:15, followed by Selam Abere Alebachew from Ethiopia in a time of 02:52:03. Both the number one winners Yinesu and Chebore took home R200 000 in prize money.
Old Mutual, together with Wildlands, created an impressive stand at the exhibition hall where “Old Mutual Soweto Marathon” branded merchandise was sold at an impressive rate to both runners and the public who had come to collect their race packs.
“It is a privilege to be part of such a phenomenal event and Wildlands had one of the most successful activations of the year,” said Wildlands’ Communications and Fundraising Manager Buyi Makhoba. “All the funds raised from the Soweto Marathon will go towards our various rhino conservation projects. We would also like to convey our heartfelt appreciation to the runners for their amazing support and most importantly to Old Mutual who have been, and still continue to be, our biggest supporters, enabling us to make a huge difference and contribute towards a sustainable future for all!”
Chief Marketing Officer of Old Mutual Emerging Markets went on to say that, “With Soweto’s rich history and diverse culture as backdrop to the race, we believe that it’s a race every South African should do at least once in their life, and we’re looking forward to returning next year for the 2016 Old Mutual Soweto Marathon to give the rest of South Africa the opportunity to experience it for themselves.”
Visit www.morethanyourself.co.za to run for Wildlands and raise funds for Rhino Conservation projects across the country.
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)