On Sunday, March 10 2024, in a collaboration between the City of Johannesburg, Motsepe Foundation, Athletics South Africa (ASA), and Central Gauteng Athletics at Marks Park Sports Club, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Lubabalo Magwentshu, spearheaded the #TakeActionNow race. The event was not just a showcase of athleticism but also a testament to community spirit and dedication to shattering gender barriers. Featuring a blend of serious competition and leisure, the 21.1km race and 5km fun run, which included Athletics South Africa’s 10km championships, demonstrated the diverse nature of the running community.
Stringent rules including anti-doping measures were enforced to ensure fair competition among the top winners, who shared a total of R560,000 in prizes.
Thanks to the Motsepe Foundation, the Women’s 21.1km category saw a substantial increase in prize money, with Regina Ndungu from Kenya clinching the victory in 1 hour and 16 minutes, maintaining a pace of 3.32 minutes per kilometre.
Cian Oldknow from South Africa secured second place, followed by Neheng Khatala from Lesotho.
Cllr Magwentshu’s dedication to fostering inclusivity for women in sports received well-deserved applause, while the Motsepe Foundation’s decision to elevate the prize money for women underscored their commitment to accelerating gender equality in sports.
Reflecting on his extensive career, legendary runner Shadrack Hoff emphasized the importance of discipline and respect in athletics, acknowledging the invaluable contribution of social runners in making races enjoyable.
Khathu Rakhalaru, representing both the Orlando Athletics Club and the City of Johannesburg, provided insights into the race route, describing it as both challenging and rewarding.
He stressed the significance of consistent training in tackling demanding courses, affirming that persistence and dedication are vital for success in the competitive world of running.
Written by Dr Karabo Semenya
11/03/2024
To stay informed about the latest developments in the City, connect with us:
X: @CityofJoburgZA
Facebook: City of Joburg
Instagram: @CityofJoburg
TikTok: @CityofJoburg
LinkedIn: City of Johannesburg YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfJoburgZA/videos Joburg Pulse Radio: https://www.joburg.org.za/media_/Pages/Radio-pulse.aspx