Athletes from Khayelitsha and the surrounding areas will battle it out in three different races on Saturday 10 September in what has been described as means to encourage healthy living in society.
The event, which has been organised by the Khayelitsha Athletics Club, will see runners and walkers participating in a half marathon (21 km), 10 km and fun run.
The races will all start and finish at Mandela Park Stadium. Half marathon will start at 07:00, while the 10 km will start at 07:30 and with the fun run kicking off at 08:00.
Event organiser Siphiwo Klaas described the event as one of its kind. “We are trying to promote Khayelitsha. We want to change the bad perception that people have about the area. Also our aim is to take the youth away from the streets,” said Klaas.
He stated that the last time they had a half marathon was in 2019.
“We used to have the half marathon every year, but we stopped due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Now, we are trying to revive it and bring back that spark we use to have. The last time we had 10 km was in 2013. So, we want to do everything at the same time just to create a vibe,” he stated.
He stated that in the 10 km race the participants must be between 14 and 15 years old. Whereas in the 21 km participants must be 16 years old and above.
Klaas urged the community to come out in numbers. He added that there will be enough security. “We will have marshals to guide the athletes. They will be law enforcement and ambulances in case of emergency. Also the taxi operators are supporting our marathon so they will comply,” said Klaas.
He said for entry registration or collection people can go to Mandela Park stadium tomorrow (9 September) between noon and 18:00.
“On Saturday the gates will be open at 05:00 for collections,” he said.
The first prize for 21 km is R1 200, second place is R800 and third place is R600.
While the first prize for 10 km is R800, 2nd prize R600 and the 3rd prize is R400.