It all started on 5 June 1903 when the Spartan Harriers committee decided it was time to organise a long distance walk and benchmarked its success with the popularity of walking races in the United Kingdom. Spartan Harriers wanted to be the pioneers of such a race in the South Peninsula and planned for the route to kick off from Montagu Bridge to Somerset West and back.
The route was however changed and on a very rainy 13 August 1903, a grand total of 61 competitors set off from Greenmarket Square in Cape Town, becoming part of South African history. Spartans have been involved in the Discovery Cape Times Big Walk for over a century.
Currently the Discovery Cape Times Big Walk consists of 10 different routes starting at different points in the Cape Peninsula with all paths leading to Rhodes High School in Mowbray. The routes consist of timed 80km, 50km, 30km, 25km and 20km and untimed 13km, 12km, 11km, 10km, and 5km.
The participation has certainly overtaken the racing as the defining nature of the Discovery Cape Times Big Walk, with exploring the city, getting some exercise, and helping charity more than enough motivation to have thousands of Capetonians lacing up their walking shoes. A hundred years ago, the Spartan Harriers started it all and they are no doubt pleased with the status of the event.
Whether you are an old hand at this event or a novice competitor, encourage your friends, families, and loved ones to join you for this momentous occasion and be part of the oldest walk in the world.
The Discovery Cape Times Big Walk is not just a day of fun and camaraderie but also an opportunity to give to those who are in need. This charity driven event gives back to the community each year by donating proceeds to selected charity. This year The Steenberg Foundation and The Red Cross Society will be the main benefactors.
When: Sunday, 10 November 2013
Phone: +27 (0)21 685-3333
Times: 08h30 to 16h00
