The race started in style at the iconic Nelson Mandela
bridge illuminated by green lights and blazing fireworks. As the runners crossed
over into Newtown they winded past Luthuli House and Beyers Naude Square, the
headquarters of the ANC and the park where most political and social protests
take place. All the way down Market Street and into Bertrams, past the imposing Ellis Park, the location of the
Springbok's historic Rugby World Cup win of 1995.
The runners continued through Doornfontein and on into the
notorius Hillbrow. The race ran through some of the dodgiest areas in the CBD,
that are well known for crime, these places are no go areas for pretty much
anyone that has a choice. The people of these areas lined the streets
supporting the runners, many of which would have never been in Hillbrow before in
their lives.
The support in these areas bordered on riotous, but not once
did I feel unsafe, as I noticed the police always stayed close by, watching. Next
up Constitutional Hill and a well needed breezy down-hill past the Metro Center
followed by a right into Bree street and a long run to the finish at Mary Fitzgerald Square to collect our medals.
Being a journalist and spending much of my
time in these areas, I'm sure nothing would have been changed by this run, but at the very
least, some of the privileged few got a small glimpse, (albeit a watered
down version) of the "other side". And as far as I know it went of without a
hitch and was a great success. I also know that next year I will be there running it again.