Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 62, September 2014 | Page 47

race report

Ma

The Discovery 702 Walk the Talk,
Central Gauteng, 27 July
Some 56,000 walkers took on the 14th edition
of the largest mass participation walk of its kind,
which also celebrated some of Johannesburg’s
most iconic landmarks to celebrate 20 years of
democracy in SA.

Images: Courtesy Pippa Rowles

W

hat better way to revel in SA’s freedom by walking
with people from all backgrounds, taking on their own
personal challenge in different shapes, sizes and ages? For
the more serious walkers, there was a timed 20km race
walk, which was won by Lebogang Shange in 1:32:27, while
Michelle Hopkins took top honours in the women’s race with
a time of 1:58:21. But for most it was a social day out for
families, friends, colleagues and even pets, all rallying together
to have fun.

Twenty for Democracy

milestone. The route took competitors through Braamfontein,
passing Mandela Bridge, Wits University, Constitution Hill and
Johannesburg Zoo. Each kilometre marker was also decorated
with memorable events from each of the 20 years of our
democracy, making for a true eye-opener of how far SA has
come.
There were also some notable guests taking on the
challenge: Executive Mayor of the City of Joburg, Councillor
Parks Tau, Gauteng Premier David Makhura, as well as
former Cabinet Minister Trevor Manuel, Absa CEO Maria
Ramos and Talk Radio 702’s John Robbie. “Today I walked 20km through
our city, and both the route and the people around me were interesting and
inspiring,” said Talk Radio 702 station manager, Pheladi Gwangwa. “Although
my body might be tired, my spirit is invigorated by what I experienced – it
gives me hope for our democracy and the next 20 years.”

15 November 2014

This year’s edition saw a spec