New finish at Nasrec and new technical sponsor Joma - All you need to know about 2024 Africanbank Soweto Marathon
Despite a number of successes that were celebrated during the 2023 edition of the race, organisers of the Africanbank Soweto Marathon believe that there is room for improvement in 2024. Speaking during yesterday’s launch of the 29th edition of the race at popular Soweto eatery Sakhumzi, Soweto Marathon Trust Spokesperson Thokozani Mazibuko announced that they had secured a new technical sponsor in the shape of Spanish sports apparel giants Joma who have been tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that everyone of the 30 000 runners and walkers that take part on the 3rd of November goes home with a quality t-shirt.
"Thank you to Joma. You know the situation we are coming from last year. We will not walk that path again. After the runners ran the race and enjoyed the race they come to us and complained about the t-shirts. Thank you to Joma that you have partnered to us this year. This partnership also means a lot because we hope to curb the t-shirt problem last year. We will sort out the problem," he explained.
In addition to a new technical sponsor being unveiled who revealed a specially made Joma Soweto shoe, the launch also saw the announcement of a new race venue. In his tenth year as Race Director, the long-serving Danny Blumberg announced that the this year’s event will start at on the Golden Highway and finish at the Nasrec Expo Centre which successfully hosted the race in the past.
"As a race we look at all our feedback and take it seriously. We heard the runners complaining about the steps going out of the FNB Stadium and also that the clubs felt disconnected because of the lack of club tents at the finish. So because of that we decided to relooks at Nasrec as an option. It’s got a rich history and is something that we can build on."
Runner will also be please to learn that the price of entry fees remains that same as it was in 2023, as is the prize money which sits at R250 000 for the first man or woman home. Africanank Group Chief Transformation & Sustainability Officer Edna Sathekga- Montse says they have every confidence that this year’s race will be even better than last year.
"At Africanbank, we believe anything is possible when you have the audacity to believe in your dreams. The Africanbank Soweto Marathon is not just a race; it represents Soweto's history, culture, and spirited character. We are privileged to stand alongside the runners, supporting them throughout the race. Together, we will continue to shape lives and champion the extraordinary potential in all of us."
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