African Bank Soweto Marathon confirms new date of November 29

The African Bank Soweto Marathon organisers have confirmed the new date of this year’s People’s Race as November 29.

They also assured the public that the race is definitely happening, despite the many challenges faced this year.

This was revealed during the media launch of the marathon at the Soweto Theatre on Wednesday.

Race director Danny Blumberg confirmed that they were forced to find a new date for the race, as the Nasrec Expo Centre is to host the G20 Summit.

“Initially, we decided on November 30, but it also turned out to be national prayer day, meaning there would be activities at the FNB Stadium, which would make it difficult for us to host on that day.

“We settled for November 29, a Saturday. We will update the dates and all the information on our website,” said Blumberg.

Having the marathon on November 29 also means changing dates for the expo and other logistics. Blumberg added that information about the expo and race pack collections would be updated on the marathon website.

“I urge everyone, especially the runners, not to focus on the negative but on the 29th being the day of the race,” added Blumberg.

He thanked the participants for their support over the years.

Another assurance that the race will happen this year came from the main sponsor, African Bank, which reaffirmed its support for the People’s Race.

“This is a race about the people and the economy of the township. We want the race to contribute to the economic value of Soweto because it creates jobs, drives the economy and sustains us all,” said Sbusiso Khumalo from the African Bank.

“The African Bank was founded in Soweto because of economic challenges. Despite the challenges we faced during our 50 years of existence, we are still here. We are not sponsoring the Soweto Marathon Trust.

“We are sponsoring the people who run the marathon. It is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to them for staying with us throughout the 50 years and through our ups and downs.”

Khumalo urged Sowetans and all runners to make this year’s Soweto Marathon the biggest race in Africa.

This year is its 30th edition, coinciding with the 50th anniversary celebration of the founding of the African Bank in Soweto.

Khumalo said it is the spirit of resilience that Soweto and the marathon have, which makes them want to keep supporting it despite the challenges.

“The idea of this bank was born here in Soweto, and we are not going anywhere because we are for the people,” added Khumalo.

“There are many races in SA, but there’s only one People’s Race, and that is the African Bank Soweto Marathon. Let’s show what this race can do for the economy and the people of Soweto.”

Following a myriad management challenges, the race is now organised under the Soweto Marathon Non-Profit Company on behalf of the Soweto Athletics Clubs, with the CoJ as host.

Despite the date changes, the route will remain unchanged, passing through historic sites such as the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the Walter Sisulu Square, Regina Mundi, the Credo Mutwa Cultural Village, Morris Isaacson High School and Vilakazi Street, to mention a few.

CoJ MMC for Community Development, Tebogo Nkokou, said the city and Soweto are ready to welcome the world for the 30th edition of the People’s Race.