Cape Town - Hundreds of runners and their supporters from across the province braved the morning breeze and gathered in Langa on Wednesday for the first-ever street Run for Freedom to commemorate Freedom Day.
The 10km route passed some of the township’s landmarks, such as the late pop queen Brenda Fassie’s home on Makana Circle, Guga S’thebe cultural hub, and the Langa Old Post Office Museum.
First to cross the line was Retail Capital Langa Running Club William Kaptein with André Africa of Nedbank hot on his heels.
Africa was followed closely by Star Shayamano of the Athlone Athletics Club.
Zintle Xiniwe of The Boxer club was the first woman to cross the line with Paige Mckenzie representing the Langa Running Club in second place while Nocwaka Makha claimed the third spot.
Langa Running Club chairman and race organiser Aubrey Isaacs said with more than 1 100 runners participating and 350 participants in the 6km run, exceeded expectations for the first instalment.
“The turnout we saw is beyond my wildest dreams. I want to thank the people of Langa and the people of Cape Town for coming together to celebrate Freedom Day with us, in the spirit of peace and togetherness.
“I know that for many, this is their first township experience and I hope that the friendly township reception they experienced will bring them back again next year,” he said.
Hilda Flowers, 69, from Bridgetown, who joined the race, said: “I am inspired by the togetherness, and doing things as a team and sport I believe unites people.
“The vibe this morning at the starting line is something that will stay with me for a very long time. All people, together, were happy and committed to the course.”
Kathleen van der Westhuizen from the Carbineers Western Province club said it was wonderful to be out on the road and be part of a formal race again.
“It was a nice flat race and it was amazing that throughout the route people were chanting ‘baleka’ (run) to encourage us. It was also refreshing to feel that we are one city where you get to see different places and connect with other people on the road.
“It is especially heartening to see people coming out after the pandemic as we lost a lot of runners,” she said.
Retail Capital CEO Karl Westvig said there was no more fitting way to celebrate the first Langa Run for Freedom than with the club’s runner winning, adding that he hoped the initiative becomes a milestone on the sporting events calendar.