Thousands turn out for Langa’s 3rd Freedom Day Run to celebrate 30 years of Democracy

Thousands of people from across the Western Cape and beyond braved the morning cold to head out to the 3rd TymeBank Langa Run4Freedom today – where community spirit ran high in celebration of the country’s 30 years of Democracy.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis joined the crowd at the starting line of the 10km run outside the Langa Sports Stadium in Bitterhout Avenue where the energy was off the charts. Cheered on by residents and visitors, more than 1500 runners kicked off at 07:30 making their way through the streets of this vibrant township, where supporters waved them on, singing and loudly encouraging them to make it to the finish line. The route took them down Washington Street, passing by landmarks that are part of the history of Langa, and traditional marimba bands performed, creating a street festival vibe as runners wound their way to the finish line.

Organisers of the TymeBank Langa Run4Freedom, along with local authorities and the Langa community, pulled out all the stops to welcome visitors to the friendly township, setting the mood for the day.

First across the line for the 10km run was Langa Running Club newcomer Edward Jack, in a spectacular time of 29 minutes 47 seconds, followed closely by fellow Langa Running Club member Andre Afrika, with a time of 31 minutes and 32 seconds. Zintle Xiniwe of Nedbank was the first woman to cross the finish line in an impressive time of 37 minutes and 28 seconds, with Cameron Mostert from Maties coming in at 38 minutes and 50 seconds to take the 2nd spot.

Karl Westvig, Chief Executive of Business Banking for lead sponsor TymeBank and a keen runner himself, says: “What better way to celebrate the 3rd year of this Freedom Run than with two of Langa Running Club’s star runners taking the top two spots in the 10km run. We are extremely proud to be part of this event – the first of its kind in Langa – and to see it go from strength to strength. It looks set to become Langa’s flagship sports event”.

“We are truly inspired by the turnout today which exceeded all expectations,” says Langa Running Club Chairman Aubrey Issacs – the man behind this well-organised event. “We had well over 1500 runners finishing the 10-kilometre run, with many hundreds more participating in the 6-kilometre run.” Mayor of Cape Town Geordin Hill-Lewis came in at a respectable time of 53 minutes, to enthusiastic applause at the finish line.

“I want to thank our partner Karl Westvig and his team at TymeBank for their unwavering belief in the Langa Run4Freedom. I also want to thank the people of Langa and the people of Cape Town for celebrating Freedom Day with us here, in the spirit of peace and togetherness. We look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year,” an elated Issacs enthuses.

The Langa Running Club is regarded as one of the city’s elite running clubs and attracts members from different communities. Among their members are top female runner Fortunate Chidzivo, and third-placed ladies winner for 2024, Mila Geldenhuys.

The proceeds from the event will be invested directly back into the athletics club where specific programmes are developed to uplift the young people in the area.

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