Cape Town’s running community can start training for the 5th Annual Jive Slave Route Challenge which will be taking place on Sunday 10th May 2015. The significance of the race has been taken from the rich heritage which has shaped today’s Cape culture. Event organiser, Itheko Event Management’s Faatimah Allie said participants will be passing historic sites in and around the Mother city which pays tribute to the sacrifices and difficulties slaves endured when the Cape had been colonised.

“When we have an event of this nature, we take it back to our roots as a reminder of where we come from. This initiative is aimed at getting families to run and walk together and see heritage sites which many of them do not even know exist. This event is one of meaning which builds the spirit of Ubuntu,” Allie said at the media launch

The race will offer four categories for different fitness levels. A half marathon of 21.1km, 10km run, 5km fun run and a 10km big walk.
Title Sponsor, Jive will be offering participants with refreshments throughout their routes.

CEO of Quality Beverages, Sharief Parker said: “This event is all inclusive and appeals to everyone from all walks of life. The novice, the runner, the walker and the spectator both young and old. The Jive Slave Route Challenge is a unique running event in that it has the added dimension of history and heritage.”

All proceeds from the race will go toward the District Six Museum. The museum showcases the unique and inclusive history of Cape Malay culture. Last year, The Red Cross Children’s Hospital was the sole beneficiary of the initiative. However, while the annual event never fails to draw large crowds, this year, organisers anticipate and even stronger response and participation from the broader Cape Town community.

“Last year we had about 6500 participants, this year, we expect over 8000. If one looks statistically from the year of inception until now there has been a steady increase of between 25-30%,” Allie  added.

In support of the event, Market Toyota Athlone has jumped on board as another sponsor. Market Toyota Athlone’s Achmat Jacobs says the challenge is one close to the heart of the company.

“It is a great honour and privilege to be a part of this race. It displays a lot of cultural diversity and also showcases the historic slave landmarks. We want to ensure that we stay in focus and in touch with our community in Cape Town,” Jacobs said.

The runners and walkers will begin at the front of City Hall in Darling Street, making their way through various historic hallmarks in the city to finally end off at the Grand Parade. Entry forms are available at www.itheko.com or visit any of the seven sportsman warehouse to purchase an entry to the race. All entrants stand a chance to win prizes if they upload a unique selfie of themselves at any one of the historical slave sites in the Mother City.

Entrants to the Jive Slave Route Challenge will also receive a free entry to The Castle of Good Hope and the District Six Museum until the end of May 2014. For more information visit the Itheko webiste. VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)