THE City of Johannesburg is partnering with Athletics South Africa (ASA) and aims to turn the celebrated Nedbank Soweto Marathon into a world-class event.

THE City of Johannesburg is partnering with Athletics South Africa (ASA) and aims to turn the celebrated Nedbank Soweto Marathon into a world-class event.

This was announced by Amos Masondo, mayor of Johannesburg, at the launch of this year's edition of the marathon in Braamfontein yesterday.

"We are working with all the stakeholders to improve our own Soweto Marathon to be on par with other road-running events held in other major cities globally," Masondo said.

"We need to improve all aspects of the marathon and as the City of Johannesburg we will support all efforts to promote the event."

ASA general manager Molatelo Malehopo said the association was grateful to Johannesburg for rallying behind the marathon.

"We are going to have a world-class marathon in a world-class city. There have been a series of meetings facilitated by our road-running commission to ensure we have the best race," he said.

"We call on Soweto residents to embrace the Soweto Marathon as it belongs to them.

"We need their support and that of all South Africans to make it one of the best in the world."

Malehopo also thanked Nedbank for sponsoring the event despite their earlier announcement that they would withdraw from financing ASA road-running activities.