It's mid-winter and that means it's now time for a leisurely stroll through the leafy suburbs of northern Joburg - for those participating in the Discovery 702 Walk the Talk.
THE city's annual Discovery 702 Walk the Talk is just around the corner, Sunday 26 July. Entries have now closed for the event, which has reached its target of 50 000 participants.
Now in its nineth year, the Discovery 702 Walk the Talk starts and finishes in Emmarentia on the corner of Judith and Barry Hertzog Roads, just outside the Marks Park Sports Club.
This year saw a marked increase in the number of school and corporate pledges. According to Radio 702 station manager, Pheladi Gwangwa, “The number of entries this year has been incredible.
“Helpmekaar Hoerskool topped the list with their submission 700 pledges, followed by Monash University with 500 entries. City of Joburg came on board with 400 entries, and corporates such as Alexander Forbes and Natela entered 487 and 250 respectively.”
The annual Discovery 702 Walk the Talk is supported by the City of Johannesburg
The annual walk is organised under the auspices of the City of Johannesburg and is aligned with its objective to promote a culture of healthier lifestyles and foster social cohesion.
According to the Walk the Talk website, regular exercise is one of the pillars of preventing heart diseases. For example, walking 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of having a heart attack or developing diabetes by up to 40 percent.
The event is a partnership between the City, Discovery, the medical aid company, and Talk Radio 702, a subsidiary of Primedia. It has four categories: an 8km walk for corporates, clubs and families; a 5km fun walk "for the not so fit", junior walkers, disabled walkers, pensioners and canines; and 15km and 30km timed walks for seasoned walkers.
The 8km walk will begin at 9am while the 5km fun walk will start at 11am. The 15km and 30km timed walks will start at 7.30am and 6.30am, respectively.
The walk
First held in 2000 with fewer than 12 000 entrants, the Walk the Talk has grown substantially over the years, becoming four times bigger than the Comrades Marathon, and bigger than the London, Boston and New York marathons. It is recognised as one of the world's largest mass participation sporting events, with over 50 000 participants in 2008.
Organisers say that entries were limited to 50 000 walkers this year, to ensure safety and create a more enjoyable stroll for participants. Walkers are urged to register early to guarantee their places.
From the starting point on Judith Road, the route will pass through some of Joburg's oldest and greenest suburbs - Emmarentia, Greenside, Parktown, Parkhurst, Parkwood and Parkview.
Entrants need to collect their registration numbers at the Marks Park Sports Club between 22 and 25 July.
It's a fun family day for all - including City manager Mavela Dlamini
A significant percentage of the Walk the Talk's net profit will go to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, an international organisation that uses sport to bring about positive social change.
Road closures
Roads around Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia will be closed to
traffic on Sunday, 26 July as a safety precaution for the annual
Discovery 702 Walk the Talk.
The City has granted full permission for such stringent road
closures because the safety of walkers, pedestrians and motorists is
paramount. And to ensure the compliance and co-operation of motorists,
closed roads will be manned by Johannesburg metro police officers and
officials from the Johannesburg Roads Agency, confirms Vanessa Papas,
Talk Radio 702's public relations and communications co-ordinator.
In a press statement released by the radio station, one of the
organisers of the event, Papas notes that blocking traffic around the
walkers will ensure that their safety is prioritised.
Affected roads include Judith Road from the intersection of Beyers
Naude Drive to Barry Hertzog Avenue and Victory Road from Barry Hertzog
Avenue to Empire Road, from 4am until 2pm.
Niger Road will be closed from the intersection of Judith Road to
Sabie Road from 7am until 1pm; Emmarentia Avenue from Carlow Road to
Ennis Road from 8am until 1pm and Wicklow Road from Emmarentia Avenue
to the intersection of Troon Road, from 10am until 1pm. No vehicles
will be allowed on any of the closed roads.
A large section of Empire Road will be closed from 6.30am until 1pm;
Rustenburg Road from the intersection of Sabie Road to Carlow Road will
close from 7am until 1pm and Carlow Road will close from 8am until 1pm
from the intersection of Rustenburg Road to Mayo Road.
These roads will be closed for different periods of time to
accommodate motorists and pedestrians, while some will be closed for
the duration of the walk, Papas notes.
Other affected roads include Louw Geldenhuys Drive from the
intersection of Olifants Road and Orange Road, and Orange Road from the
corner of The Braids Road to the Gambia Road intersection.
Convenience
"[Road closures] will start half an hour before the walkers
start and will be opened again immediately after every intersection is
clear of walkers, therefore allowing the least possible time of closure
for the convenience of motorists and residents," explains Papas.
All motorists and pedestrians travelling to, from and around the
city on the day are urged to take note of the road closures and to plan
their routes accordingly.
"We understand that you may experience some difficulties in reaching
your destination on the day but ask for your patience and
co-operation," reads a statement from the organisers.
"Please assist us in making the Discovery 702 Walk the Talk an event
that benefits the citizens of Joburg and showcases the city and its
ability to stage a major community event. We urge residents to come out
and enjoy the Highveld winter sunshine and our beautiful city at the
Discovery 702 Walk the Talk."
Resident passes
People who live in the area
have been advised to collect their official resident passes at the
Parkview Police Station or to call 011 486 5000; proof of residence
will be required to collect the passes. Without a resident pass, they
will not be allowed to drive around the venue or suburb until after the
race.
For a full list of road closures and a detailed route map with an
interactive route finder that automatically maps the route you need to
take to bypass the closed roads and reach your destination, log on to
the Talk Radio 702 website. Alternatively, telephone the Walk the Talk office on 011 463 2743.
For more information about the Discovery 702 Walk the Talk, contact the walk office on 011 270 2702 or visit the Walk the Talk website.
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