News Nike's We Run Jozi connects two iconic suburbs and unites runners for a cause
From the start line in Katherine Street, a sea of runners, all wearing the black Nike race-day tee, will traverse into Grayston Drive, move over the M1 highway, then head deep into the beating heart of the Alexandra Township where runners can expect to be welcomed and cheered by the vibrant community of Alex.
For the first time in Southern Africa, using the latest integrated Facebook & Google Mapping technology, running enthusiasts have collectively unveiled eight or so kilometres of the 10 kilometre We Run Jozi race route. Each registered individual has revealed a small portion of the course since entries opened on 5 September.
While the finish line is in sight, the actual locality of the final point in this epic race remains an unknown entity and will continue to mystify punters until the 20,000th entrant registers via Facebook (www.facebook.com/nikerunningza).
Also setting We Run Jozi apart from other road running events, participants will be leaving more than a footprint on the streets of Johannesburg. With a portion of the R150 race fee (or R70 per student) being donated to the Alexandra Running Community, race goers can run with pride on 7 October knowing that they will be making a positive difference to grassroots running in South Africa.
What’s more, each registered race goer will enable some 2 200 primary school kids to participate in a 2.5 kilometre youth race, which will be hosted on 6 October at the Altrec Running Club in Alexandra. Children participating in the run will predominantly be from Alexandra, as well as schools from neighbouring areas. Each child who participates in the youth race will receive a race-day tee, cap and a medal at the finish line.
In addition to hosting a specific children’s race on 6 October, Nike and registered runners will also enable 500 youth from high schools (aged 14 to 18 years) to participate in the main race on 7th October.
