Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Thobela FM, in partnership with Greater Sekhukhune district municipality, will stage the Executive Half-Marathon and a soccer tournament in the Limpopo town of Burgersfort on August 25.

The race starts in Mabocha village at 6.30am and ends at Laerskool Burgersfort. The soccer event kicks off at noon and local clubs are invited to take part.

The 5km fun run starts at 7am.

Mamolefe Segakweng, the station's marketing manager, said the aim of the race was to raise funds for disadvantaged children in the district.

She said this was also part of the station's objectives to encourage sport participation in Limpopo, especially in rural areas.

"We are expecting more than 1 000 runners on the day and I urge athletics clubs to encourage their athletes to be part of the race," Segakweng said.

"We are using this race to build a platform that will assist sport authorities to identify talent in the region and promote healthy living. We will continue to assist in the development of sports in other remote areas in the future."

Selby "Chana" Makgotho, the municipality's spokesman, said staging the race in the area will go a long way in encouraging people in villages around Burgersfort to be involved in athletics.

"We anticipate fanfare on the day and I'm happy that Thobela FM has come on board."