Thousands celebrated the Cape’s slave heritage by participating in the 5th Jive Slave Route Challenge 2015 on Sunday.

The challenge involves the running of 4 races which include a half marathon, 10km run, 5km run and 10km big walk. The race caters to people from all walks of life.

“This event is for runners, walkers and spectators to come together to celebrate slave history and what a rich heritage it is,” says communications manager Fatima Allie.

The event has grown from 2000 people when it first started in 2010 to 6000 entries in 2014.

“The race is growing momentum. Our online entreies this year were just over 2000 participants,” says Allie.

Runners and walkers got to experience a bit of South African slavery history as they passed through the Cape Town Castle, District Six, the Gardens, Bo Kaap and the Grand Parade. Participants ran through Cape Town Castle, through District Six, Gardens, Wale Street, Bo’Kaap, the Fan Walk, Green Point Park, V&A Waterfront and the Grand Parade.

The event proved to be well organised with security, Metro police, medics, clean up staff, disaster management and refreshment stations on route. The race was monitored and regulated by over 20 security at the starting point in Darling street alone.

“The race has to adhere to the City of Cape Town’s events application pack so at all entrances and exits you will see security at hospitality. Everywhere you will see security,” says Allie.

All runners and walkers receive a medal and a bottle of Jive cooldrink for partipation.They are awarded a R200 Mizuno Shoe discount voucher on completion of the race. The lucky draw prizes was available for all.

“We reward those who chose to take pride in our slavery heritage by participating in the race,” says Allie.

Sponsors include Quality Beverages, Spice Mecca, Jive, Smile fm and The City of Cape Town. The title sponsor Jive stressed the importance of funding and promoting South African heritage.

“It is a magnificient event. It is the only event that has major historical significance by celebrating our heritage,” says sponsorr Shreef Abbas, the director of Spice Mecca

The sponsorship sees the event as encompassing the diversity of South Africa in a unifying way.

“This run plays a big part of our heritage. It is spirit of Ubuntu and unites us,” says
Abbas.

All participants had to pay an entry fee. All proceeds raised will be donated to the District Six Museum. All participants baring a race number or race card will gain free entry into the District Six Museum until the end of May.

“Its about celebrating our heritage. If you think about everything that has happened in District Six with the forced removals and claimants. This seems like an excellent time to celebrate the rich history of that particular area. It’s about education, about community spirit. It is about Ubuntu. Everyone wants to know where they come from to know where they are going,” says Allie. VOC