Monday, 16 April 2007

Talk Radio 702 and Discovery are stepping up to the challenge once again to bring the City of Joburg one of the greatest loved walking events of the year and they're calling on everyone to lace up and start walking.

Taking place on Sunday, July 22, 2007, the Discovery 702 Walk the Talk follows hot on the heels of the success of last year's event, which saw a record 30 000 walkers participate and in the process help raise R200 000 for the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation.

Starting and ending at Marks Park Sports Club in Judith Road, Emmarentia, walkers will get the chance to tone and tighten their calf muscles while taking the scenic route through the suburbs of Emmarentia, Greenside, Parktown, Parkhurst, Parkwood and Parkview.

Everyone - from experienced walkers to never-been-off-the-couch-before walkers - is welcome to join in the fun and bring along their kids and furry friends for inspiration. There will be 42 and 21-kilometre timed events, starting at 06h30 and 07h30 respectively for the more experienced walkers; an 8km walk open for all corporates, clubs, families and friends; and a 5km fun walk along a safe secure route for children, junior walkers, prams, dogs on leashes, the disabled and pensioners. It's the perfect excuse to spend some quality time with your family, rally up some team spirit among your co-workers, and give your legs a good 'oiling'.

The Discovery 702 Walk the Talk - now in its seventh year - has grown from strength to strength and revolutionised the way Joburgers see fitness, fun and friendship. The event, which epitomises good health and community building, has received an overwhelmingly positive response in the past from not only members of the public but also local celebrities, media and Governmental figures.

"The first event held in 2000 had over 12 000 entries. Within four years the number of entries had more than doubled. Last year we had an outstanding turnout with over 30 000 walkers taking part," said Talk Radio 702 station manager, Pheladi Gwangwa. "This year we expect even more participants. What makes the day so successful is that it is truly a family orientated event and the perfect opportunity for all Joburgers to get out for some fresh air and have a little fun."

The Discovery 702 Walk the Talk is not only about having fun, but also about giving back to the community. A percentage of all entry fees will be donated to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation - the official benefiting charity organisation of this event. The South African Chapter of the Foundation, which celebrates the universal power of sport to bring people together as a force for good and uses the passion that sport inspires to effect social change across the globe, was established in 2002 with Discovery's support.

"At Discovery our aim is to make people healthier by encouraging them to adopt an active, healthy lifestyle," said Discovery's Hylton Kallner, general manager of marketing and distribution. "Science has shown that walking is one of the most effective and accessible forms of exercise - and we think getting thousands of Joburgers walking is a powerful way to get that message out there."

Entries opened online on April 11, 2007 and forms are available from Virgin Active, Run / Walk for Life centres, Planet Fitness and all major shopping centre kiosks, or you can log onto www.702.co.za and enter online. Make sure you get your entries in before the closing date of Friday, June 15, or your feet may never forgive you.

For more information contact the Walk the Talk Race Office on (011) 2 702 702, e-mail walkthetalk@702.co.za, or visit www.702.co.za.

The Discovery 702 Walk the Talk is proudly hosted by the City of Joburg - a world class African city.

Back to Press Centre