THE Gauteng provincial government wants to see the Soweto Marathon growing into one of the biggest road running events in Africa.

The provincial government said the Soweto Marathon has the potential to be in the same league as successful as the New York, Berlin and London marathons.

MEC for sport, arts, culture and recreation Lebogang Maile said they will assist the Soweto Marathon grow.

"When you go to the Western Cape, they have the Two Oceans Marathon. In KwaZulu-Natal, there is the Comrades.

"These are two road running events that are renowned for attracting runners from as far as Russia, Germany, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and the USA.

"In Gauteng we have the Soweto Marathon, which is South Africa's richest standard marathon (42,2km). The beauty of it is that it takes place across the townships of Soweto.

"Soweto residents add to the electrifying atmosphere of the marathon by lining up the streets, ululating, blowing vuvuzelas and singing as runners pass by their houses.

"The race also fits in nicely with our slogan - 'Gauteng the home of competitive sport', and it attracts big numbers."

Maile, a former soccer player who is now venturing into athletics to encourage community to participate in the sport, will make his Soweto Marathon debut on November 6.

"There was a time when Gauteng people like Joshua Petersen (men's section) and Sarah Mahlangu (women's category) used to dominate the Soweto Marathon.

"There are runners like Poppy Mlambo, Fusi Nhlapo, Rene Kalmer and Lucky Mohale that we hope will help restore the pride of Gauteng by winning the Soweto Marathon this year."

Also known as The People's Race, the Soweto Marathon is an initiative of former ASA bosses Leonard Chuene and Banele Sindani with Sowetan as its sponsor.

People who want to register for the Soweto Marathon must phone Athletics South Africa on (011) 880-5800/6 during office hours.