Soweto Marathon 2023: Broadcaster, Sponsor and Reduced Fees
On November 5, the 2023 Soweto Marathon will go ahead with a new broadcaster, a sponsor, and lower entry fees. On Wednesday, organizers announced it, by saying that they were targeting 50,000 entrants. The Soweto Marathon invites sportsmen and women from all over South Africa to participate. Formally known as the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon, this event is made up of a standard marathon of 42.2 kilometers, a half marathon of 21.1 kilometers, and a 10-kilometer run. The race takes place at the beautiful FNB stadium in the vibrant, historical Soweto Township, just outside the city center of Johannesburg, Gauteng. This is both the start and finish venue. Each entrant will receive a race pack; which contains a race number, free t-shirt, timing chip, and race number/bib; as well as a commemorative medal.
Soweto Marathon 2023
Soweto is the largest township in the country and has a deep, complex history. Today, it is a vibrant hub of activity and growth, one that tells a poignant tale of the Rainbow nation that is South Africa. After the withdrawal of Old Mutual a few years ago, African Bank has taken over as the title sponsor for five years. The broadcaster, Pay channel Supersport, contracted by Athletics South Africa (ASA) for all local athletics events, will televise the race, which offers a full marathon, half marathon, and 10km.
Entry fees have been reduced to R380 from R550 for the marathon, R280 from R350 for the 10km, and R300 from R450 for the 21.1km. Almost 20,000 runners took part, last year. Making it the biggest mass participation single-day race in the country, despite the event not enjoying corporate backing. R250,000 would remain the first prize. Race director Danny Blumberg said: ‘We’re ready for you. We have put on an event with 40,000-plus’, with regards to the projected 50,000 entry target. On Wednesday, registrations for “the People’s Race” would be open at midnight on sowetomarathon.com and race collection will happen at the FNB Stadium from November 2 to 4.
“That Soweto Marathon will be going ahead this year is the biggest prize we all have to celebrate”. This is what African Bank Chief marketing officer Sbusiso Khumalo said when asked why, despite the bank coming on board as the race’s new title sponsor, the first prize remains R250,000. Khumalo suggested that the purse money could increase in the next few years, insisting the first step was to make sure the race happens amid the chaos that erupted a few weeks ago when some of the Soweto Trust board members, who have since been suspended, declared that the race would be abandoned.
