The Chairperson of Athletics South Africa’s Road Running Commission, Enock Skosana, is calling for better pay for athletes. He was speaking at the Soweto Marathon press conference at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Skosana says all stakeholders have now confirmed their full participation to ensure the event runs smoothly.
“Every corner of the Soweto Marathon will be safe guard for our athletes,” he said.
“So we are urging the runners, the athletes to come and support.”
He also expressed disappointment over last month’s cancellation of the Cape Town Marathon one of South Africa’s major road races and an important qualifier for international events.
The cancellation has raised concerns about organisational challenges within the country’s road-running calendar.
“We are not so happy about the cancelation, but thanks to Soweto Marathon for making this happening.”
He believes the CapeTowm Marathon runners will now join the Soweto Marathon
But insists the calletstiom was bad for image of the roadrunning in the country.
“It was not good for the image of the sport.”
The Soweto Marathon, often referred to as “The People’s Race,” is one of South Africa’s most iconic and historically significant races. It attracts runners from across the country and the continent, celebrating both athletic excellence and the cultural heritage of Soweto.
Nearly 18 000 runners are expected to take part in the Marathon on Saturday, marking a major highlight on the national athletics calendar.
