ASA, City of JoBurg plan hitch-free 2009 Nedbank Soweto marathon

Johannesburg mayor, Councillor Amos Masondo has assured that the 19th edition of the Nedbank Soweto Marathon would not be derailed by the taxi problems experienced in the past.

"We are optimistic about the future; we like to turn the challenges into opportunities," Masondo said.

"The Nedbank Soweto Marathon gives the City a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of the improvements we have been undergoing in preparation for the FIFA 2010 World Cup," he added.

"Safety of the athletes is a big point for us, we will be deploying around 250 officers throughout the race. In case of emergency we have the entire EMS system on standby," added the City Manager, Mavela Dlamini.

Further allaying fears of taxi disruption, Boy-Boy Mogorosi, the National Deputy Secretary of Top Six Taxi Management assured the runners that things are changing.

"We need to show that we are an integral part of the community by supporting events that are meant to uplift them. The problems of the past emanated from a communication breakdown at implementation level."

"However, this time we will do everything to the best of our ability that things get executed accordingly," he explained.

"We are pulling out all the stops on our side as this is one of our main flagship races. We want this years' [2009] 'Peoples' Race' to once again be the best. We have met with all the stakeholders concerned, and expect a perfect race indeed.

"All we need now is the athletes to entertain the people of Soweto, and members of the community to support the race as they have done in the past," said Athletics South Africa (ASA)'s General Manager, Molatelo Malehopo.

The race has become so big over the years and with last year's field being more than 10,000, it became necessary to move the race back to the MTN Expo Centre (Nasrec), after several years in the heart of Soweto.

The Head of Nedbank Group Sponsorship, Andy Scott said: "The Nedbank Soweto Marathon cannot be regarded the premier marathon on the SA calendar without the grateful logistical contribution by Athletics South Africa, and the various agencies of the City of Joburg."

Scott also gave the athletes a glimmer of hope when he announced that Nedbank had only "suspended" talks with regard to the extension of the contract they have with ASA.

To ensure the race continues to attract the cream of the crop, the prize purse has been increased and the big draw card is R 100,000 for both the first man and woman across the line.

The marathon event would be complemented by shorter distances races consisting of a 10 km run, 10km walk and wheel chair race, with the popular 5 kilometre fun run.

Entries can be obtained from most sports stores or online at Nedbanksponsorships.co.za or by contacting ASA on (011) 880 5800.