The African National Congress Gauteng Province would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the organizers and winners of the annual Soweto Marathon for yet another successful and well executed marathon. This year marked the 26th year of the famous and much loved township marathon known as the “People’s Race” which is described  as “one of the toughest races in the country” that challenges participants to dig deep inside of themselves in order to stay in the race.

“We applaud thousands of people who came from the breath and length of our country and the continent to take part in this grueling race, thus making this township marathon truly unique and living up to its name as the People’s Race,” explains Bones Modise, ANCGP spokesperson.

Modise says the ANC thanks the people of Gauteng and Soweto in particular who through their generous hospitality and active participation have contributed immensely over the years to the success of this marathon including the support given to all participants from the starting point up to the finishing line.

Soweto Marathon continues to be one of the prime sporting events in in Gauteng. It has proven to be a great platform for fostering social cohesion.

Once again, we say well done to the organizers, stakeholders, participants and most importantly the people of Soweto for a great 26th edition of the Soweto Marathon.

Accordingly as former President Thabo Mbeki once said “Those who complete the course will do so only because they do not, as fatigue sets in, convince themselves that the road ahead is still too long, the inclines too steep, the loneliness impossible to bear and the prize itself of doubtful value." This was proven true by South African Irvette Van Zyl and Ethiopian Debeko Dakamo Dasa who clinched the 42.2km race in the female and male  categories respectively.

We hope that the success of this 26th edition will see more people inspired to take part in the  27th Soweto Marathon installment.

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For more information:
Bones Modise
Head of Communication / PEC Spokesperson
ANC Gauteng Province
082 545 5553