Soweto Marathon

The ‘South West Townships’ have evolved from an area of forced habitation to an address of pride and social prestige and a destination in their own right. Though it’s devoid of spectacular sights, Soweto is now well on the tourist trail. Travellers come to be part of the welcoming township life and to visit places of tremendous historical significance, including the former homes of Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, and the Hector Pieterson Museum. A stroll down laid-back Vilakazi St offers an insight into modern African sensibilities, while the addition of Soccer City and the Soweto Bungee provide quality, concrete experiences in a place of great political abstraction. And while it was considered foolhardy to get there on your own a decade ago, it’s now safe to visit the main sights independently. With that being said, the Soweto Marathon is the place to be.

The standard marathon is a challenging test for all endurance runners.