Pencil in 11 December for Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run

The ninth edition of the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run will be held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday 11 December, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Gauteng department of sport, arts, culture and recreation have announced.

The event honours human rights icon, the late Nelson Mandela, and commemorates his death at age 95 in 2013.

The event offers a 21km, 10km and 5km fun run or walk.

Running enthusiasts will be treated to a picturesque trail near charming gardens and some of the historic landmarks of Pretoria.

There will be entertainment for the kids, refreshments and food on sale as well as a music concert on the lawns and fitness displays.

Sello Hatang, chief executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, said: “As Madiba once said, sport has the power to change the world and unite people in a way that little else does.

“Sport has contributed to peace building, promoted gender equality and health and supported education initiatives while opening up new prospects for development actors.

“I hope as participants trace these routes of historic significance, they will begin to reflect on our common past and heritage and recommit to the ideals of a just and equitable society.”

MEC Morakane Mosupyoe added: “The event forms part of our social cohesion programme. [It] has the ability to bring people from all walks of life together, promoting reconciliation and intercultural learning.”

Entry for the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run is R50 for the 5km route; R100 – 10km and R150 – 21km. Registration is open at www. mandelawalkandrun.com. Proceeds go to the Nelson Mandela Foundation to promote social justice.