Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Abram Khumalo and Colboy Malinga are two of the top South African runners who have confirmed their participation in the Diepkloof Half-Marathon on March 18.

Stan Itshegetseng, Diepkloof Athletics Club executive member, said they have raised about R100 000 in donations for prizes.

Companies who contributed include Eskom, Region D of Joburg City, Usizo Engineering, Makua Phefadu attorneys, Africa Vukani and Nkateko.

"We also have Umsobumvo on board because the emphasis on the race is to lure as many youngsters as possible into the event," said Itshegetseng.

"We have issued invitations to all the schools in Soweto to be part of this race. We are also using the race to build a healthy nation.

"There will also be a 10km road race and a 5km fun run to accommodate everybody. Our plan is to make this one of the best yearly athletics events in Gauteng."

Itshegetseng said the race was postponed from last Sunday to March 18 to avoid a clash with the Tour to Soweto bicycle road race.

"Johannesburg Metro pleaded with us to postpone our event. What made matters worse was that our routes were almost identical.

"We apologise to the community for the inconvenience caused by the postponement."

Itshegetseng said the half-marathon and the 10km road race would start at 7am, and the fun run would start 15 minutes later.