Half marathon raring to go

There was a sigh of relief after the City of Cape Town’s events department granted Khayelitsha Athletic Club a permit to host their inaugural half-marathon after it was postponed due to the taxi related violence that erupted in Nyanga last week.

The race was due to take place on Sunday September 4 but after reports of threats aimed at traffic officers, the permit was revoked.

It will now take place on Saturday September 10. The race will have a 21km run, a 10km run/walk and a 5km run/walk.

Race director, Spitch Klaas, said their preparations were dealt a blow when the permit was denied.

“We tried to persuade COCT to let us go on but the threat was huge and they would not budge,” said Klaas.

The club approached speaker of the Western Cape provincial legislature, Masizole Mnqasela, who had earlier in the week officiated at the race launch at the Look Out Hill, to initiate talks with Codeta Taxi Association who operate from Khayelitsha.

Mnqasela said when he met the taxi bosses they were shocked that the event was postponed due to the Nyanga incidents.

“They assured us that the race should go ahead and further asked people not to confuse matters because in Khayelitsha there was no violence targeted at traffic officials or anyone. It was a fruitful meeting,” he said.

Klaas said had the race been cancelled the club would suffer “immeasurable fiscal and reputational damage”.

He thanked all those who were involved in sorting out the situation.

“We are ready to roll now. We have invited local starts like Mzonke Fana, Mark Mayambela, Nika Khumalo and the Jerusalem 10km gold medallist Adam Lipschik from Durban to be part of this race,” he said.

Codeta president Kenny Ndabeni said they support the race and are happy that the City has allowed it to happen.

Those wanting to run can still register at Mandela Park Stadium tomorrow, Friday September 9, at noon, and on Saturday morning, from 6am. The race starts at 7am.

Follow Khayelitsha Athletics Club’s Facebook page.