Walk the talk proudly

With four walks to choose from (a 5km, 8km, 15km or 30km) the starting point at the intersection of Judith and Hill Road’s constantly had a stream of walkers from 7am onwards. All age groups were well represented with babies in buggies just a few weeks old to senior citizens turning out in large numbers to walk for charity and health.

Different companies and organizations used the walk for team building and staff wellness initiatives. Masego Mokgoro and her mother traveled from St Monica’s Anglican Church in Midrand to take part in the exciting day. “It’s great that we have this walk to bring us together as a diverse community for such a healthy cause” she said.

At the end of the course every walker received a medal and goodie bag for their effort, while the Pick N Pay Food and Braai Village and the SAB Beer Tent welcomed tired participants pouring out from the finish line. The Children’s Village had great activities like face painting for the kids and registered dogs enjoyed the pooch-friendly Royal Canin Village.

The 2013 Discovery 702 Walk the Talk attracted notables from the province such as Mayor of the City of Johannesburg Parks Tau and Bishop of the Diosece of Gauteng Steven Moreoa. For World Champion Elsa Mayer from Pretoria it was a chance to participate in a world class event right in her area. Mayer won the 30k walk in 3 hours 20 minutes and noted that “it’s wonderful to get lot’s of people coming out to Joburg doing this walk for fun because it always leads some interested people to start walking not just fun but also for competition.” Some of those awarded for best times are participating in the World Master’s Athletics Championships later this year in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

The day officially ended with bright sunshine and dancing the the tunes of Flash Republic and Mi Casa on stage while family and friends hung out around the park enjoying each others company.