The Race to Gender Equality incorporating tge ASA 10km Championships, hosted by the Motsepe Foundation in partnership with Athletics South Africa (ASA) and the City of Joburg, will feature a hard-fought tussle for titles between elite stars who will be chasing a large prize purse of more than R550 000.

The event, taking place on Sunday 10 March at Marks Park Sports Club, will be headlined by a popular 21.1km race featuring a 5km distance, ensuring runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are catered for.

With South Africa's top athletes looking to make headlines, the ASA 10km Championships, incorporated in the Race to Gender Equality, is expected to be a celebration of road running.

"This race aims to promote a healthy lifestyle, and we are proud to partner with the Motsepe Foundation and the City of Joburg for this popular event," said ASA president James Moloi during the launch of the races in Johannesburg in Thursday. "I would like to thank the local organising committee and ASA staff for the hard work that is being put in ahead of the race.

"It is also important for us to remember the people who are  most important in our sport which are the athletes and holding the ASA 10km Championships in conjunction with the Race to Gender Equality allows us to offer support and provide opportunities to athletes of all levels of athletics.

"The Motsepe Foundation continues to lead the way with the Race to Gender Equality to raise awareness for women's rights worldwide."

Speaking on behalf of Dr Precious Motsepe, the Foundation's General Manager, Peter Ledwaba said: "The Race to Gender Equality will be held alongside our eighth annual summit of new economics, which usually takes place on International Women's Day.

"By embracing diversity, and including women and youth in the process, our societies and workplaces can adapt to change effectively, unlocking the world of creativity, imagination and curiosity.

"The Race to Gender Equality is a call to action as we continue to find ways to innovate and progress. And it is fitting that the runners will pass through the Nelson Mandela Bridge and Constitutional Hill. These monuments represent our shared history of overcoming inequalities and discrimination."

Lubabalo Magwentshu, the MMC for Community Development which includes sports and recreation at the City of Johannesburg noted: "

The Community Development Department, along with sports and recreation in the City of Johannesburg, is immensely proud to be associated with the impactful work of the Motsepe Foundation. Witnessing the positive outcomes of their philanthropic programs within communities has been truly inspiring, and now, we are privileged to have the opportunity to collaborate with them directly.

"Last year at this time of the year, we made a compelling decision to uphold our support for all women in the sporting fraternity, we made a commitment to advocate for them with equal pay, sponsorship opportunities and airplay during games.

"As a city, we are fully committed to supporting the Motsepe Foundation's initiatives. We are eager to roll up our sleeves, join forces, and contribute in any way possible. Whether it's providing JOC services for the race or offering any other form of assistance required, we stand ready to lend our support."

Acting President of Central Gauteng Athletics, Karabo Mabilo, said the provincial body was pleased to have the race forming part of its annual provincial calendar.

"From its inception, we knew as a province that this was not another running event. This is a movement which seeks to make a difference in the lives of our athletes," Mabilo said.
"The Race to Gender Equality catalyses and translates cutting-edge participation to help transform the general norms in athletics, which enables us to drive change and eradicate gender inequality in our sport."

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