​More than 20 000 runners and fitness fanatics defied the blistering Johannesburg morning heat to take part in the second edition of the Nike 10km Run in Alexandra in what many participants described as “a run for a good cause”.
 
Referred to as “Nike’s We Run for Jozi”, the race saw a sea of runners – clad in green-and-black sponsored Nike T-shirts – lining up at the starting point in Katherine Street, Sandton, early in the morning before taking to the streets.
 
While most streets in and around Sandton and nearby Alexandra were closed to traffic to make way for the race, it was a large South African flag hanging over the highway bridge connecting the two neighbourhoods that attracted the attention of bystanders, passers-by, runners and motorists caught up in the heavy traffic.
 
Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development Clr Chris Vondo said the race was a “tremendous success” for the City as it contributed to the enhancement of social cohesion.
 
“Being the second edition in a partnership between the City of Johannesburg and Nike, this race also addressed issues of a healthy lifestyle, which we as a City are encouraging among both young and old citizens of Johannesburg,” Vondo said.
 
Nike’s Communications Manager, Seruscka Naidoo said the race proved that running is a useful tool in social cohesion. “Who would have thought that a race could bring Sandton and Alexandra together? We are happy to be associated with efforts by the City of Joburg to facilitate social cohesion.” Naidoo said.
 
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