Pounding the pavements for the Human Race
01 November 2010
EPA will hold its first mini-marathon around the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on November 20.
EPA officials said they decided to host the race after calls from the Mayor, Zanoxolo Wayile, and others to maintain the momentum of the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup. The theme of the race is non-racialism and tolerance.
“We are all a part of the human race and we need to celebrate our diversity as we did during 2010 FIFA World Cup. Sport is a great equaliser, so we have responded to Mayor Wayile’s call …. Through it we can celebrate diversity on a level playing field.
“That’s why we’ve come up with this race to bring people together and keep the momentum of the World Cup going through sport,” said Godfrey Goliath, president of EPA. “We, with our partners, would like to see the seeds planted for non-racialism, unity, goodwill and tolerance during the World Cup germinate and grow to their full potential – particularly in the Friendly City.”
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) is partnering with EPA and CANRAD (Centre for the advancement of non-racialism and democracy) to help promote the event. “The values espoused in this initiative speak to us as a city, The Friendly City. We are 100% behind the ethos of non-racialism and healthy living. It is also important as the city’s tourism body to support signature events which bring local and domestic tourists into Nelson Mandela Bay and give our citizens something to be proud of,” said Titus Chuene, NMBT marketing manager.
The mini-marathon is expected to draw around one thousand entrants and will bring together people from all walks of life and racial backgrounds, EPA officials said adding that the race was aimed at fostering greater tolerance, unity and also encouraging a healthier lifestyle.
Other objectives included mobilizing the people of the city to get active, encouraging people to use the space around the stadium and the venue itself and get the summer season off to a “running start”.
EPA is partnering with CANRAD and Shaeffler SA’s Rainbow Club. This has furthered the hope that Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University – with its large contingent of international students and the more than 12 companies which recently joined the Rainbow Club – would join the race to make it a truly international event, said Goliath.
Officials also encouraged the South African Police force to take part in the 4,2-kilometer race in response to Beki Cele’s call for restoring the police force to a fit and healthy unit.
The race will start in Prince Alfred Street, on the 20th of November 2010, make its way around the North End Lake via Harrower Road and Fettes Road back to the start, taking in a distance of 4,2-km.
The title sponsorship for the race is still open and Goliath encouraged those who are interested in taking up either title or product sponsorship to get involved. For more information visit www.epathletics.com
Author: Amy Shelver
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