MEMS MOOSA
Roving Reporter

THE 14th running of The Township Marathon is one of the few marathons that takes runners through townships. The philosophy behind the race is to take running to the people in a bid to create awareness and tolerance among all communities.
This marathon is successfully organised by five running clubs — Lenasia Athletic Club, Daxina Striders, Fred Norman, Brotherhood and Pegasus Athletic Club’s
from disadvantaged communities.
The course is scenic and holds historic interest. From the start in Cumming Road, outside the Eldorado Park Stadium, there is a gradual climb for three kilometers into Freedom Park. The course then winds its way back into Eldorado Park, with another gradual climb for 2km into Kliptown.
Immediately after the 10km marker, the race passes the Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, where the Freedom Charter was signed by the ANC in 1955.
The 15km run and marathon events both start at 6am and split at Klipspruit West. The marathon runners make their way into Klipspriut Valley towards Lenasia.
The halfway mark is in Rose Avenue, Lenasia. The route after the 28kms heads towards Thembelihle Informal Settlement and into Lenasia Ext 10. The following 10km, some running on the Golden Highway, will prove testing to any long distance entrant.
You have to gather your strength for before the 38km point you will need to tackle “Heartbreaker’s Hill”. Short, yes, but difficult. The last 4km stretch is fairly pleasant, when in sight of the stadium, the runners draw on their last reserve to jog home on to the soft grass, into the stadium to the finish line.
The 15km road race and walk is circular and follows the same route as the marathon for the first 12km or so.
All category winners get cash prizes and gold medals. The first 200 finishers (first 100 for the 15 km run, and the first 50 for the 15km walkers), receive silver medals and all other finishers earn a bronze medal.
The marathon is a qualifying race for Comrades and Two Oceans marathons in a time of 5h:00m.
“Local is lekker, come and join us in the Township” is the rallying theme. There is also a 4km fun run that starts at 7am and all finishers for this event receive a medal.
Entry fee for the marathon is R60; for the 15Km race and walk R30 and R10 for the 4km fun run.
Enter online at www.enteronline.co.za or on the day of the event.
For enquiries call Joe Morris on 011-945-2706 or 082-443-3777 or Rodger Govender on 083-263-5008.

source: Lenasia Indicator