Put on your takkies and get ready for a leisurely stroll around Joburg's green and pleasant old suburbs. That's right, it's Walk the Talk time again.

Johannesburg's executive mayor Amos Masondo gets ready to start the 2007 walk (Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)

IT'S time again for that most beautiful of walks, the Walk the Talk stroll through Joburg's leafy northern suburbs. And this year new distances have been added, with a 15km and a 30km walk, rather than the arduous 42 kilometres of last year.

The walk is on Sunday, 27 July. Entry forms can be collected from Virgin Active, Planet Fitness, Run/Walk for Life centres and all major shopping centres. It is also possible to enter online, on the 702 Talk Radio website. Entries close on Wednesday, 18 June.

There are also special entry forms for dogs walking with their owners. They are available at veterinary surgeries and pet shops, as well as online on the Royal Canin website.

The annual Discovery 702 Walk the Talk is a partnership between Discovery, Talk Radio 702 and the City of Johannesburg; it is in line with the City's aim of promoting a culture of healthy living and fitness among Joburgers.

"This event epitomises good health and community. It allows the people of Johannesburg the opportunity to spend quality time with their families while doing a healthy activity and we are proud to be associated with it," says Hylton Kallner, Discovery's chief marketing officer.

Now in its eighth year, the Walk the Talk is a popular sporting event on Joburg's calendar - and this year more than 40 000 people are expected to take part. According to the radio station, it is bigger than the London, Boston and New York marathons, it is four times bigger than the Comrades, and it is the biggest walking event in Africa.

"The event has revolutionised the way Joburgers see fitness, family, fun and friendship," says 702's station manager, Pheladi Gwangwa. "We have received an overwhelmingly positive response in the past from not only members of the public, but also from local celebrities, media and government figures."

Route
As always, the walk starts and finishes at Marks Park Sports Club in Judith Road, Emmarentia. The route passes through the suburbs of Emmarentia, Greenside, Parktown, Parkhurst, Parkwood and Parkview.

There is a 5km fun walk, which starts at 11am, an 8km walk set for 9am, and two officially timed walks - of 15 kilometres and 30 kilometres to start at 7.30 am

Entrance is R60 for the 5km walk, R70 for the 8km and 15km walks, and R80 for the 30km trot. Participants in the 15km and 30km walks need licences from the Central Gauteng Athletics organisation, which cost R15 and R25 respectively.

Walkers have to be 16 or older to take part in the 15km walk, while those walking the 30km route need to be 18 or older; the 5km fun walk is open to all. According to the organisers, R10 from every 5km and 8km entry will be donated to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, an international charity that uses sports as a tool for social development in disadvantaged communities.

To ensure safety, certain roads will be closed on the day, including Judith Road, Barry Hertzog Avenue, Emmarentia Drive and Louws Geldenhuys Drive. The main parking area for participants and spectators is at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens at Emmarentia Dam. Signs will mark the parking areas.

"Mobile pointsmen will be available to assist in directing traffic in and out of the venue," says Dominique de Klerk, of Haford Sports Promotion, the event's co-ordinator. For more information, call 011 270 2702, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the 702 Talk Radio website.

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