Soweto is the biggest township in South Africa and is fast becoming a popular stop for tourists visiting the country. Not only is it known for its rich history and diverse culture, but the Soweto Marathon crossing through, it is the only race in the world with houses of Nobel Peace prize winners and the second biggest hospital in the world.
The 42.2km route starts at the MTN Expo Centre in Nasrec at the Golden Highway where the runners will then make their way through Soweto. Just after the 12km mark, runners will turn into the famous Vilakazi Street. This is the only street in the world with the homes of two Nobel Peace prize winners namely Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former President Nelson Mandela. Another famous landmark on the route is the biggest hospital in Africa, the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital. No other marathon in the world has the same status.
The route of the marathon will also pass some of the sights and historic landmarks Soweto is known for and they include Madibane High school, the renovated Orlando Stadium, Merabe Hotel and the Hector Peterson Memorial.
Athletes will also run past Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s current home, the Oppenheimer Memorial, Jabulani Hostels, Soweto Mosque and Morris Isaacson School just to name a few of the sights. Runners will experience the most beautiful parts of Soweto on foot and build memories that nobody else will enjoy. The marathon will again finish at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec.
Athletes are reminded to collect their race numbers along with goodie bags and T-shirts at one of the following registration venues. These include Pilditch Stadium in Tshwane (31 October and 1 November), ASA offices in Houghton Estate (2 and 3 November) and at the Johannesburg Expo Centre situated in Nasrec (4 and 5 November). Late entries will not receive goodie bags or T-shirts.
No T-shirts, goodie bags or race numbers will be given out at sport shops or on the day of the race. Everything has to be collected at the abovementioned dates and venues.
The Soweto Marathon is made possible by Energade who will provide energy drinks and water to all athletes on the day, Netcare 911 as the official supplier of medical services, the Johannesburg Expo Centre as the official start and finish venue of the Soweto Marathon as well as the City of Johannesburg, official partner of the event.
Remember to join Soweto Marathon 2011 on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @Soweto2011 to be a part of the experience.
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My concern is that kindly concider 15, 20-22km because 10km for some of us is too little and 42km is way too much.