THE Nedbank Soweto Marathon is a golden opportunity for the City of Johannesburg to intensify its tourism campaign to market the township ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

THE Nedbank Soweto Marathon is a golden opportunity for the City of Johannesburg to intensify its tourism campaign to market the township ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Mayor Amos Masondo said the city wanted Soweto to be one of the top 10 tourist destinations in South Africa.

This year's marathon will take place on November 1 and more than 20000 runners are expected to take part.

"Among the many features to note along the route are legacy projects that have started to take shape as part of our hosting of 2010," Masondo said.

The 2010 legacy projects along the route of the marathon include the refurbished Diepkloof hostels, BRT Rea Vaya stations and greening of the townships.

Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world where the houses of two Nobel Prize laureates, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, are located, is along the route.

Masondo has also commended ASA for being a "competent organiser".