The Langa Run for Freedom race is expected to draw thousands of runners on Freedom Day, 27 April 2022.
The inaugural Retail Capital Langa Run for Freedom will kick off at the Langa Sports Stadium in Bitterhout Avenue at 7.15am on Wednesday 27 April, when runners will make their way through the township streets to the finish line. The route, which winds down Washington street, is designed to take runners past well-known landmarks.
The race is accessible to runners of all fitness levels and includes a 10-kilometre run for participating clubs and professional athletes, and also a 6-kilometre option for non-professional runners who want to test their fitness while they soak up the township experience.
“It’s going to be a one-of-a-kind experience,” enthuses race organizer Aubrey Issacs, who is also Chair of the Langa Athletics Club. “The idea behind this event is to bring together runners from across the city in the spirit of peace and togetherness, to celebrate Freedom Day and all that it represents. We encourage runners to bring along friends and families to support them and to soak up the township vibe on the day.”
Langa’s flagship running event
Issacs, who was instrumental in establishing the Langa Athletics Club, says this event is a dream come true. “We started the club with 20 members, and over the years we have grown it to 350 members, some of whom reside in Langa and others in nearby suburbs like Bonteheuwel and Hanover Park,” he says.
He believes the timing is right to launch the Run for Freedom. “Many people don’t know that sport and fitness is big in this township. We have open-air gyms popping up everywhere. Anyone who has organized a street run will know what it takes to pull off a well-organized event of this magnitude, and we are confident it will be a success. We are working closely with the Traffic Department and have roped in our local community policing forum to safeguard the route. We intend to establish it as Langa’s flagship running event,” he adds.
The Langa Athletics Club is regarded as one the city’s elite running clubs and attracts members from different communities. Among their runners is top female runner Fortunate Chidzivo, who clinched the women’s title for the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon on 16 April. Also a member is top local runner William Kaptein, who will be participating.
“The club has enabled many talented club runners to reach their full potential within running circles – something we are very proud of,” says club coach Chris Bruwer who has coached world-class runners like Elana Meyer during his successful career.
Entrants can register for the Langa Run for Freedom here until Monday 25 April, or at the venue on race day from 5am to 7am.
Entry fees range from R50 – R120 for the 10-kilometre run, and from R20 – R30 for the 6-kilometre run.
What: Langa Run for Freedom 2022
When: 27 April 2022, 7.15am
Where: Langa Sports Stadium Bitterhout Avenue Cape Town
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