Walk the talk

Nearly 23 000 walkers of all abilities took part in the fun-filled 702/FNB Walk the Talk through the suburbs of Johannesburg last month. The event was double the size of the annual Comrades Marathon and the 13 000 walkers, who took part in the 7km fun walk, constituted the largest number of participating athletes in a single event in South Africa.

Serious athletes, the less-fit, families, children and even canine supporters, donned their walking shoes to support this hugely popular annual family day, which started and ended at the Wanderers Stadium.

This year's designated charity for the 702/FNB Walk the Talk was the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind. Participants were encouraged to make a donation to the charity and once again 702-landers proved that they have big hearts and a cheque for the amount of R26 000 was handed over to the charity.

The logistics of mounting such a huge event are impressive. A quarter of a million water sachets were handed out along the route along with 23 000 foam caps and 22 000 'goody bags' sponsored by Spar and 702/FNB Walk the Talk. The event required the participation of 450 marshals, including 150 at the finish alone; 170 medical staff from Medi-Clinic and ER 24; 60 registration staff and full co-operation from Metro Police. There were 15 watering points and 70 toilets for competitors.

FNB staffers provided huge support with approximately 3 500 walkers, while over 400 FNB staffers managed several water points along the route.

The fun continued long after all the walkers had crossed the finish line, with a host of entertainment on offer and 702 personalities. The organisers of the 702/FNB Walk the Talk undertook a thorough clean up after the event, so that the beautiful scenic route was returned to its clean state.