MANGAUNG is ready to lace up for a new chapter in its sporting story.
On Sunday, 25 October, the Free State capital will host the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K, bringing one of South Africa’s most colourful road-running series to Mangaung for the first time.
With the gun firing at 07:00, the streets will become a 10km stage where racing, music, entertainment and community pride collide. Thousands of runners are expected to line up at the Sir George Grey Street exit of Grey College before powering towards the finish on Kings Way.
The arrival of the Series promises more than a race against the clock. Sponsor activations, entertainment zones, local performers and cheer stations will turn the route into a carnival on running shoes, with supporters playing their part in pushing participants towards the finish.
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder, believes Mangaung has the ingredients to make its debut memorable.
“We’re excited to celebrate the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series’ debut in Mangaung, and we can’t wait for the community to experience what makes these events so special,” Meyer says.
“We look forward to showcasing the incredible spirit of Mangaung while giving local runners and spectators their first taste of the energy, entertainment, excitement and elite racing that define the Series.”
Series partners including Absa, PUMA, Powerade, AVIS and Heineken will add fuel to the festival atmosphere.
For Absa, the event is also an opportunity to connect with the city beyond the running route.
“At Absa, we are passionate about creating memorable experiences that bring communities together, and we’re incredibly excited to bring this event to Mangaung for the first time,” says Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorship, Absa Group.
“This is an opportunity for us to connect with the city, its people and its rich cultural heritage in a meaningful and memorable way.”
Nsibanyoni says participants and spectators can expect entertainment and performances inspired by Mangaung’s “unique spirit, warmth and energy”.
PUMA is also promising to put some turbocharge into proceedings.
“Every Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series event has its own personality, and we’re excited to discover what Mangaung will bring,” says PUMA Run Train Marketing Manager Rae Trew-Browne.
Runners can expect an energetic PUMA Speed Zone, celebrating movement, performance and the thrill of racing.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace your own version of TOO FAST while enjoying the incredible atmosphere and making history at the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K,” she says.
The entry fee is R255 for licensed runners, with a R70 temporary licence fee. Entries include a performance T-shirt, drawstring bag, peak cap, socks, race number and timing chip, finisher’s medal, three refreshment stations, tog-bag facilities, route entertainment and post-event entertainment.
Entries opened on 1 August and close on 8 October, or earlier if capacity is reached.
Mangaung now has its date with the stopwatch. The road is waiting, the city is warming up and the inaugural 10K is ready to put the Free State firmly on South Africa’s running map.
