Enter Slave run

‘Route selected because it passes heritage sites like the whipping post route’

THE historic Slave Route Challenge will see 10 000 people fill the streets of Cape Town on a route that traces locals back to their ancestors.

It was the dream of Farouk Meyer, founder member of the Itheko Sport AC, to have a race that traces the footsteps of his ancestors who built the city, by incorporating the Bo-Kaap and District Six.

The Slave Route Challenge is unique in that it is a race with a heritage and historic significance that takes participants from the City Hall through District Six, Gardens, Company Gardens, Wale Street, Bo-Kaap, Sea Point, Green Point, the CBD and back down Darling Street into the Castle of Good Hope, and finishes on the Grand Parade.

The Slave Route Challenge has grown locally and nationally, and received major international media coverage last year. This led to contact between the Island of Reunion-based French embassy and its Cape Town counterpart to get more involved.

They announced a partnership with the Athletic League and Departmental Council of La Reunion Island, which will send a delegation of athletes and coaches, as well as a cultural band (lindigo) to perform at the 2018 Slave Route Challenge.

The event will be hosted by Itheko Sport AC, under the auspices of Western Province Athletics (WPA), and organised by Itheko Event Management. Leliebloem House is the race beneficiary.

Fatima Allie, spokesperson for Itheko Event Management, said: “This route was selected because it passes heritage sites like the whipping post, where slaves were whipped; the hurling swing pump, where slaves had to pump water for their masters; the company bell that rang to call slaves; Gallows Hill, where slaves were executed; and the Castle, where slaves were imprisoned and tortured; and the slave tree plaque, where slaves were sold.

“A running event with the purpose of raising awareness about our history and our heritage was envisioned, and the Slave Route Challenge was born.”

When runners reach the Bo-Kaap, they enjoy a traditional Cape Malay koeksister.

“This event brings Cape Town people from all walks of life together. It truly encapsulates the spirit of ubuntu. Runners and walkers are given the opportunity to run and walk in District Six and the Bo-Kaap, to marvel at the beauty and cultural diversity of Cape Town, to experience the heritage sites, to run through the Castle of Good Hope, to appreciate our cultural diversity and to embrace other Capetonians,” said Allie.

There are four different events: a half-marathon (21.1km), a 10km run, a 10km big walk and a 5km fun run /walk. Organisers aimed to incorporate the novice, the occasional walker, the intermediate runner and the avid runner.

There are refreshment stations along the route and a commemorative medal for all finishers. The race begins at 7am on Sunday.

There will also be food vendors and entertainment from 9am, while the prize-giving will take place at 10.30am.

For more details, visit www. slaveroute.co.za.