Run for Freedom through the streets of Langa
South African flag was a also symbol of the day.
What better way to celebrate Freedom Day, than having people of all backgrounds running through the streets of the oldest township in Cape Town.
The Retail Capital Langa Running Club presented its inaugural Run for Freedom to mark Freedom Day and celebrate the life of the late Emeritus Desmond Tutu and his fight for freedom by creating a safe space to run in one of the oldest townships in South Africa.
The Langa Athletics Club was formed in 2015, to support and encourage participation in youth development programmes. The club focuses on athletics and promoting and encouraging a healthy lifestyle in Langa and surrounding areas.
Race organiser and chairperson of the Langa Athletics Club, Aubrey Isaacs, welcomed the runners before they set off for the 6km and 10km routes.
“The idea behind this event was to bring together runners from across the city in the spirit of peace and togetherness, to celebrate Freedom Day and all that it represents,” he said.
“We are excited to have such a successful turnout. We had to start a bit late because of the numbers. We could not leave out some of the runners who were delayed by traffic coming here,” he said.
The route took runners past some of the township’s well-known landmarks, including Brenda Fassie’s house on Makana Circle.
Mr Issacs, who was instrumental in establishing the Langa Athletics Club, said the event was a dream come true. “We started the club with 20 members, and over the years we have grown it to 350 members, some of whom reside in Langa and others in nearby suburbs like Bonteheuwel and Hanover Park,” he said.
Among the well-known participants in Wednesday’s race were SA cricket Captain Themba Bavuma and former national cricket player Thami Tsolekile.
First-time runner from Site C, Khayelitsha, Zakes Mbetheni described the day as “marvellous”. Mr Mbetheni said he had never run an official race and was impressed with what he saw and experienced.
“I am out of words. This could grow to other areas like Khayelitsha. It would be nice if clubs in all these areas could organise a similar race. If Gugulethu does a December 16, the Khayelitsha do a June 16 and another area picks its date. I am impressed,” he said.
Landiwe Gqoboka from Saldanha Bay was also impressed. She said when she had seen an ad for the race on Facebook and invited friends to join her.
“The mention of Brenda Fassie played a trick on me. I needed to see Langa and had to organise a trip to come down here. This is a lovely experience. I cannot wait to come back again,” she said.
