Waterfall City Half Marathon returns in September
Join the Blue Waves and thousands of others as they chase new goals, break barriers, and celebrate the spirit of running.
From its humble beginnings during the pandemic, the Waterfall City Half Marathon has cemented its status as a key highlight on Gauteng’s running calendar.
The marathon, recognised as Gauteng’s fastest-growing race, returns on September 21, offering runners an unparalleled experience through Waterfall’s breathtaking landscapes.
Now in its fourth year, this flagship event from the Waterfall City Athletics Club is a powerful celebration of community, healthy living, and athletic excellence.
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The excitement surged on July 9 during the official launch at Ster-Kinekor, Mall of Africa. The Waterfall City Athletics Club, known as the Blue Waves, proudly unveiled this year’s theme: Flash Forward: Fast Forward into the Future, honouring the evolution of running through technology, inclusion, and innovation.
Muneiwa Ndonyane, the chairperson of the Waterfall City Athletics Club, shared a compelling vision for the club’s future. “We’ve got a mix of developing athletes. So we are developing a group of young people and training them. We’ve got elite people who are representing us on competitive platforms, and they represent the club week in and week out. We have social runners and training programmes that will also help us develop,” she explained.
“Our vision is to grow participation and presence across the country. Now we are represented in various places around the city, and our vision is to grow and create lasting partnerships.”
Also read: The Blue Waves’ half marathon returns in Waterfall this September
Kenny Lethole, the co-founder and director of the club, spoke passionately to an audience of eager runners, sponsors, and supporters, reinforcing the importance of the club and this marathon.
“I’m excited to see all this many enthusiastic faces here today, especially from the running community,” said Lethole. “I’m honoured to share with you a brief background of the amazing club behind this marathon. As an athlete, I’ve always believed in the power of sports to change lives.”
Lethole quoted former president Nelson Mandela: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It unites people in a way nothing else can.” He emphasised Mandela’s belief that sports could break down cultural and racial barriers and serve as a powerful vehicle for social change. This inspired the creation of the club, a platform uniting individuals of all ages, races, and abilities in their passion for running, making the sport accessible to everyone.
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Lethole added that running could be an expensive pursuit, and the club aimed to eliminate those barriers. Since launching in 2022, participation has surged from 3 000 to 6 000 runners in 2024, with this year’s event expecting 7 000 participants, media, VIPs, and supporters.
The race kicks off at 06:00 at Waterfall City Park, Mall of Africa, featuring a 21.1km half-marathon, a 10km race, and a 5km family fun run. Race director Mpho Makhado concluded, “With a blend of testing inclines, fast flats, and scenic turns, it’s a course that pushes your limits and rewards you every step of the way. Whether you’re a first-timer, a social runner, or chasing a new personal best, this race has something for everyone, a true celebration of the runner’s journey.”
Click the link to register for the Waterfall City Half Marathon: https://waterfallcityac.co.za/
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