Gear up for Tour de Soweto

Forget the Tour de France; this weekend it's all about the Tour de Soweto.

An estimated 3500 walkers, runners and cyclists, including celebrities such as Bruce Fordyce and Aki Anastasiou, are expected to take part in various races in the streets of Soweto tomorrow.

The races, which start at 5.30am and end at 6pm in Mofolo Park, will follow guided routes on streets, dirt tracks and single-track footpaths.

The races include a men's and women's 10km run, a veterans' 10km run and men's, women's and veterans' 20km bike trails. There is also a 5km walk.

As participants move through the township they will be entertained by Zulu dancers, pass former president Nelson Mandela's Vilakazi Street home and hear jazz music coming from the Sakhumzi restaurant.

Morgan the Beatboxer and DJs Milkshake and Extraordinary Gentlemen will provide entertainment until midnight.

Previously known as the Energizer Night Race, the Energiser Light Race is fun for the whole family. In 2012, the event took place at the Central Park MTB Trails in Modderfontein, home to small wild game, east of Johannesburg.

The race has also been held at the Cradle of Humankind and at Monaham Farm, north of Lanseria Airport.

The race is part of battery manufacturer Energizer's celebration of 20 years of democracy in South Africa.

Brand manager Rashmi Vadivelu said: "It is also an iconic year with President Nelson Mandela's passing. There wasn't a better place to have it than Soweto."

Police and trafficofficers will ensure the safety of participants and spectators alike.

Those wishing to take part and stand a chance of winning a share of the R25000 prize money on offer can enter online at www.energizerlightrace.co.za before registering at either the Cycle Lab in Fourways, The Creative Counsel Offices (on the corner of Corlett Drive, opposite Melrose Arch) or the Maponya Mall. Registrations at Maponya Mall will take place until 3pm on Saturday.

Entrants will receive a complimentary goodie bag worth R500.