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Potatoes SA was thrilled to participate in the annual Soweto Marathon, popularly known as ‘the people’s race’. This event brought together 20 000 people, uniting not only the people of Soweto but people from all walks of life and different areas such as Pretoria, Polokwane, and Paarl.
The first starter gun went off at 05:30 for the 42 km, while the 21 and 10 km races started at 06:30 and 07:30 respectively. Runners passed some iconic Soweto landmarks, including the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Walter Sisulu Square, Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Credo Mutwa Cultural Village, Morris Isaacson High School and June 16 Memorial Acre, Vilakazi Street, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.
The Potatoes SA team was stationed at a water table where they handed out cooked and well-salted baby potatoes to the runners. These potatoes were a hit, with many runners asking for more.
Promoting potatoes differently
Water stations were strategically placed at the 8 km mark on the 10 km route, and at 6 and 18 km on the 21 km route.
Here, runners could pick up a potato to sustain them for an extra 2 km or help push them to the 21 km finish line.
Potatoes SA not only provided potatoes to the runners but also offered encouragement and a vibrant atmosphere to keep the runners motivated.
Potatoes SA’s marketing team aims to position potatoes as the ultimate energy source for all athletes, emphasising that potatoes can sustain you during your race. Many athletes use potatoes for carbo-loading a day or two before the race but potatoes can also provide extra energy during the race itself. This applies to all athletes participating in different sports, not just runners.
Potatoes are an excellent fuel booster for any race, providing high-quality carbohydrates that can power any active sportsperson. They are lightweight, easy to digest, and high in potassium and magnesium. If you are looking for nutrients to power your body during extreme events such as a marathon, potatoes are the ideal choice.
Potatoes SA, participated in the 10 km leg of the Soweto Marathon.
Dirk Uys, innovation and research manager at Potatoes SA, participated in the 10 km of the Soweto Marathon and finished! Onalenna Khonhobe was the winner of the 2024 Soweto Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:18:36. He also won the Two Oceans marathon in 2024.
Social media feedback
Feedback from runners on our social media platforms was overwhelmingly positive with runners giving reviews on how the potatoes gave them the energy they needed to push through to the finish line. The only downside, which can be seen as a positive, was that there were not enough potatoes.
The Potatoes SA marketing team aims to educate and practically demonstrate the benefits of potatoes by attending marathons and other sports events. This allows us to engage with athletes and share knowledge on how potatoes can be a crucial part of their running lifestyle.
Key takeaways from the marathon
- Many athletes are unaware of the importance of including potatoes in their diets – this presents a great opportunity.
- Athletes often need a source of energy during races, and potatoes can provide that boost.
- Cooked, salted potatoes also contain magnesium, which can help athletes experiencing cramps – a two-in-one benefit.
- People love potatoes, and they should be a part of any active lifestyle.
– Sheila Makgato, Potatoes SA
For more information, email the author at sheila@potatoes.co.za or visit www.potatoes.co.za.