CALLING all runners, cyclists and walkers – it’s time to get energised! The Energizer Light Race is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience where participants will race the streets, dirt tracks and single track footpaths of Soweto, lit up at night to display the iconic South African township in dazzling glory.
The event will take place on Saturday May 10 and there are various events, including a 20km mountain biking event, a 10km run and a 5km walk. As entrants move along the route, they will be entertained by the sights and sounds of a truly South African experience. There will be plenty of additional entertainment for spectators and participants at Mofolo Park, where all the routes begin and end.
Energizer will illuminate the safe and guided routes, which vary slightly for each of the three events. The Soweto street culture will be bright with energy and light, and entrants can expect to move to the beat of Zulu drums and Pantsula dancers, as they travel past the Orlando Towers; the famed Vilakazi street, which is home to two Nobel peace prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu; through shack settlements and onto the Mandela House Museum. Local is definitely lekker, as refreshments will be available at spaza shops and the Sakhumzi and Sedibeng restaurants. At Mofolo Park, DJ Milkshake, George the Beatboxer and brilliant Laser Dancers will be keeping the crowd lit up from 6pm onwards, and there will be plenty of food and drink available from local shisanyama’s and African cuisine caterers.
The mountain bike race kicks off at 06:30, with the 10km run following at 6:45 and the 5km walk leaving last at 19:15. The entertainment will only end at midnight, so there will be plenty of time for racers and bystanders alike to party the night away.
All participants must enter online at www.energizerlightrace.co.za, and spectator tickets are available from the site as well. Early bookings are essential to avoid disappointment as tickets and entries are limited. Entrants will receive a fantastic Energizer hamper, and there are several convenient registration venues to choose from, including the Cycle Lab in Fourways, The Creative Counsel Offices (on Corner of Corlett Drive, opposite Melrose Arch) and Maponya Mall, Soweto.
Race routes: 10km trail run, 5km walk and 20km mountain bike race.
