​Discovery launches South Africa’s first inner city duathlon in partnership with the City of Johannesburg

Discovery launches South Africa’s first urban duathlon in partnership with the City of Johannesburg

Entries open for the Discovery Duathlon Sandton on 24 and 25 October 2015 – 25% early bird discount available on all entries before 15 August 2015.

Today the foyer of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange was host to a unique executive RUN-CYCLE-RUN challenge marking the launch of the Discovery Duathlon Sandton scheduled for October later this year. In an effort to make people healthier whilst enhancing and protecting their lives, Discovery have partnered with the City of Johannesburg in support of the EcoMobility World Festival to be held over the month of October. On 24 and 25 October, the streets of Sandton will be filled with runners and cyclists completing South Africa’s first urban duathlon, sanctioned by both Triathlon South Africa (TSA) and the International Triathlon Union (ITU).

Delivering the keynote address at the launch, having just completed the 3km bike leg of the mini-duathlon relay challenge, City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Cllr. Parks Tau warned: “The reality is that if we fail to intervene and change our behaviour – with the current levels of congestion in the city – key business areas like Sandton will remain at risk of becoming giant parking lots. By giving preference to public transport, bicycles and pedestrians during the EcoMobility World Festival in the Transport Month of October this year, the benefits of embracing alternative and even healthier modes of transport for both people and the planet will be highlighted.”

He also pointed out that the festival was designed to encourage the people of Johannesburg to reclaim their streets. “We are very excited to be partnering with Discovery to deliver an innovative urban centric sporting event which supports our target of building a healthy active city,” Mayor Tau said.

The EcoMobility World Festival highlights the benefits of alternative modes of transport, including walking and cycling and will enable residents and visitors from across the globe to experience what a future, car-free precinct would look and feel like.

Barry Swartzberg, Executive Director at Discovery explained: “In line with the Mayor’s vision for making the people of Johannesburg healthier, Discovery shares the unique obligation to build programmes that support a healthier population. We are driven to get people moving, and very excited to host the first Discovery Duathlon Sandton in the heart of the city, creating a new way for people to experience the fusion of fitness and their everyday urban surroundings.”

Bringing focus to the ability to use urban spaces to encourage healthier living, the Discovery Duathlon Sandton will be the first major sporting event to be hosted in the Sandton CBD. With various distances to choose from, the Discovery Duathlon Sandton caters for athletes of all levels, from experienced duathletes to families and people of all ages. The benefit of a race that involves running and cycling is the ease with which new comers can get involved.

The Discovery Duathlon Sandton will run over two days with Saturday 24 October dedicated to children between the ages of 5 and 11. Adults can choose to participate in any one of three race categories on Sunday 25 October, alongside international duathletes who will be in invited to compete in the elite category on the Standard route.

Standard- 10km run, 40km cycle, 5km run

Sprint- 5km run, 20km cycle, 2.5km run.

Super Sprint- 2.5km run, 12km cycle, 2.5km run

The Discovery Duathlon Sandton promises to be a day of fun-filled healthy competition. Those who enter via www.discoveryduathlon.com before 15 August will receive a 25% early bird discount on their chosen race category. All members of Team Vitality, the country’s fastest growing running and cycling club, will enjoy 50% cash back when they enter. For more information about Team Vitality and join the movement, visit Team Vitality.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Attached photo: The Mayor of Johannesburg, Parks Tau and the co-founder of Discovery, Barry Swartzberg. 
• Please note the attached race route map.
• A duathlon comprises an initial running leg, followed by a cycling leg and then another running leg.

For more information regarding the Discovery Duathlon Sandton visit the website www.discoveryduathlon.comor email info@discoveryduathlon.com.

For media related queries contact:

Taryn Kerr

TarynKe@discovery.co.za

011 529 2204