The Alex 10K race did not pass like any other event. It left an indelible mark on the hearts of the 3 000 participants who raced through the streets of Alexandra.

Even when the skies opened up, the runners did not back down, nor were they bothered. They strutted across the streets with the determination of people intent on finishing the 10km race, while having fun.
Some found it difficult, admitting that the stretch of Joe Nhlanhla Street, from 6th Avenue to 1st Avenue, pushed their endurance to the limit. Yet, against all odds, they pushed hard enough to cross the finish line at Altrec Sports Complex with pride.

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Among the racers was Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who also braved the rain to complete his 10km run. Speaking after the race, Mashatile referred to the 10km as a good run, emphasising the importance of youth participation in such events. “I want to urge the youth to participate in events like this. It is good for a healthy lifestyle.”

Mashatile lauded the organisers. In 2024, the Alex 10k hosted about 1 200 runners; last year, that number grew to 2 500, and this year it was capped at 3 000. “[The race] has been growing nicely over time.”
The event welcomed multiple athletics clubs, including IrunWithThemba, Fat Cats, Manoni Athletics Club, and Mogalakwena Athletics Club, among others.

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Madimetsa Manyediwane, secretary general of Mogalakwena Athletics Club, said their 10km bus handled Alexandra’s challenging track well. “Alex was serving a lot of hills, so some runners were struggling a little bit, but they did well.”

The Alex 10K, hosted annually by the local athletics club Run Alex, not only promotes local tourism; it supports the club’s education initiatives, such as the annual spelling bee competitions and the Read Alex Project, a programme designed to improve children’s literacy and educational outcomes.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Deputy President Paul Mashatile urges young people to participate in events that promote healthy lifestyles. Mashatile was speaking shortly after finishing the Alex 10K race in Alexandra. Video: Itumeleng Maloka #Alex #10k #run ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

The funds raised from the event, according to the club, also support its junior division’s development programmes, introducing young people to the athletics.

The Alex 10K was sponsored by Adreach Group and supported by multiple partners, including Gautrain and the City of Johannesburg.

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