A runners village will be set up in Soweto to give 600 underprivileged athletes the opportunity to experience the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon, without the stress of worrying about where to sleep on Saturday, the night before the race.

The village will be hosted at the Morris Isaacson High School.

Sello Khunou, chairman of the Soweto Marathon Trust, said: "Over the years, the Soweto Marathon has attracted many runners from all over the world.

"We have realised that a certain percentage of these runners are unable to pay for accommodation, and many of those runners come from disadvantaged background. So to reduce the burden, the organisers, in conjunction with Old Mutual, will be providing accommodation to be part of the race."

Comfortable mattresses, meals and transport to and from the village will also form part of the package.

"We are thrilled to play a role in the runners village. Running is a sport that brings all South Africans together, and now more runners will be brought together at this fantastic event," said Marcel Arnold, Old Mutual marketing executive."

To qualify, runners need to be:

The first 600 athletes to apply will be considered on a first come, first served basis.