More than 2 000 athletes join Ekurhuleni’s World Aids Day half-marathon
For some, running the race was just part of their healthy lifestyle, for others it was a daunting task but all endured to reach the finish line.
Athletes, young and old, braved the cloudy morning on December 3 to partake in the 5km family fun run and walk, 10km race and the 21.1km half-marathon to promote healthy living and to denounce the stigma surrounding the HIV/Aids pandemic.
Scores of athletes put their best foot forward to run the half-marathon organised by the City of Ekurhuleni in partnership with the Soul City Institute at Huntersfield Stadium in Katlehong.
The fastest runners of the day included 16-year-old Sbonakaliso Mbatha from Katlehong athletics team who finished the 5km fun run in 28.3 minutes and walked away with a medal for participating, as well as Michael Mazibuko of the Nedbank athletics team who took first position in the 10km race in 31.1 minutes and bagged R1 000 and a medal.
Furthermore, Derocious Makhubalo – also from the Nedbank athletics team – conquered the 21.1km half-marathon in 1:11:00 and walked away with a sum of R1 500.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services (MMC) Clr Dora Mlambo officiated the races and encouraged participants to go for regular health checks and to continue to support those affected and infected by HIV/Aids. – @SabeloBoksburg
