CHRIS HANI FREEDOM MARATHON TAKING PLACE TOMMORROW, SATURDAY, 22 APRIL 2017, IN COFIMVABA
Chris Hani Freedom Marathon, one of the flagship projects of the Chris Hani Month celebrations, was launched in 2013, recognizing the resilience that Chris Thembisile Hani displayed throughout his life. The marathon retraces Hani’s footsteps from Sabalele his birthplace to Zigudu mission where he attended primary school. This is the route he diligently undertook on a daily basis during his primary school years, including Sundays as his family worshipped at the Zigudu mission.
Runners within the province and afar are invited to participate and experience the challenging 25km marathon or 10km run or enjoy 5km fun run/walk. A total prize money of over R150 000 is up for grabs for the top 3 men and women in their age categories in the 25km and 10km events. Prizes are set as follows:
- 1st place 25km – R25 000; 2nd place – R10 000; 3rd place R5 000
- 10 km 1st place – R10 000; 2nd place – R5 000; 3rd place – R2 500 and many more.
Since 2013 the race has grown with the number of participating athletes rising from 1000 to about 2700 in 2016. Participation is drawn mostly from all local municipalities within the district, Athletics Transkei affiliates, various clubs and individuals across the province.
Entry is free for all distances and registration can be done online www.chrishani2017.co.za ; alternatively, forms are available in all local municipal offices around Chris Hani DM. The race which is scheduled for tomorrow, 22 April 2017 is expected to start at 06h30.
As the District Municipality we still boast of the strong support from the Association of Running Legends of South Africa led by Xolile Yawa who is our race ambassador. Xolile Yawa born in Lady Frere, Eastern Cape and specialised in long-distance running, including marathons, together with Hezekiel Sepeng and other legends undertake coaching clinics as build up to the marathon which are widely attended by young locals two days before the main event. Participants are encouraged to be fit and ready for the race.
Further information can be obtained on info@chrishani2017.co.za or 082 890 6646 / communication@chrishanidm.gov.za ; 045 808 4600.
Members of the media are invited to cover this event as thousands of participants will be locating the trails of our struggle hero. To confirm attendance or interviews with the Executive Mayor, our Race Ambassador and Legends kindly liaise with Ms Tobeka Mqamelo on 082 563 2976 or Lonwabo Kowa on 071 531 6426.
Issued by the Chris Hani District Municipality Communications Unit