CHRIS HANI DM HOLDS THE 7TH CHRIS HANI FREEDOM MARATHON
The 7th edition of the Chris Hani Freedom Marathon will be held on 27 April in Sabalele Village of Cofimvaba, which is home to our liberation hero Chris Thembisile Hani.
About 2000 participants are expected in the race, which accommodates all age categories from sub-youth to grand masters.
The off-road race, which is run under the rules and regulations of ASA, is divided into a 5 Km fun run/ walk, 10 Km race and 25 km race all run in the rugged rural village of Sabalele. A whooping R150 000 in prize money will be shared among winners of both 10 and 25 km. For the 25 Km race, the winner will walk away with R25 000 prize, 2nd place winner gets R10 000 and 3rd place prize is R5000; whilst the 10km race winner takes home a R10 000, 2nd place R5000 and 3rd place prize R2500. Numerous age category prizes are also up for grabs.
Participation in the race is free.
Thus far over 1000 athletes have registered and more athletes are expected to register until Saturday morning before the race. There has been consistent growth in terms of participation. When the race started in 2013 there were just over 700 participants. The Freedom Marathon has gained popularity not only within the Chris Hani District and Eastern Cape, other provinces as well as neighbouring countries. The 25kms winners – male and female, hailed from Lesotho and KwaZulu Natal respectively. In 2018 we recorded participation of 1 820 athletes.
Transport arrangements have been made to pick up athletes from all 16 towns of the district and enquiries in this regard can be made to Luzuko on 0724686547.
The District Municipality also boasts a strong support from the Association of Running Legends of South Africa led by Xolile Yawa who is the race ambassador – born within the district –at Cacadu. Other legends that always grace the municipality with their presence include Dora Mgwevu and Hezekiel Sepeng.
The race is regulated by Athletics South Africa and endorsed by Athletics Transkei attracting athletes from across our district, Athletics Transkei affiliates, and from individuals across South Africa.
CHDM honours Chris Tembisile Hani, a liberation struggle icon who was born and bred in Sabalele village, Cofimvaba. The route that the race follows retraces Chris Hani’s footsteps as he walked every week day from Sabalele to Zigudu school and church.
We encourage participation by all age groups from all corners of the Eastern Cape and beyond.