In partnership with the Gauteng Department of Arts and Recreation, Moving Ahead Development Agency (MADA) has launched a new virtual marathon to honour Covid-19 Survivors. The marathon is scheduled to take place on the 14th of March 2021.
Runners will be nominating their Covid-19 heroes and running for those people and they will be running anywhere in the country in three distances – 10km, 21km and 45km. Former Comrades Marathon champion Gift Kelehe and Lizzy Babili are the race ambassadors and will run the 45km race.
Kelehe said he would run his 45km race in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga. “I will be running a virtual marathon for the first time. There is no substitute for a real marathon. The starting point is not the same, and the routes are different,” he said.
CEO of Athletics SA, Tshepo Mokoena said the timing of this marathon was perfect. “When you go around the streets of Soweto, you see people running alone. We want to encourage people to live a healthy lifestyle.
“People like me work from home, and as a result, eat a lot and pick up a lot of weight. We want people to be fit and know that running is the way to go. Athletes are frustrated, and we invite them to come and take their frustrations on the road in March. Next year we hope to organize a real race,” he added.
The entry fees are 10km (R60), 21km (R70) and 45km (R90). T-shirts are also available for R80 and R70. All Covid-19 protocols will be adhered to on the day of the race, and participants will receive digital medals after finishing their respective races.
Runners who are keen on taking part can register online,visit: www.twocities.co.za. There is no prize money, and all proceeds will go to charity
