25 000 walk the talk

As many as 10 000 walkers took part in the 10km event, which started and finished at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium. Other walks included the 42km and 21km officially timed walks and a 5km fun walk.

"The large number of participants once again shows 702's pulling power. It was a great day for young and old, male and female, black and white, who walked side by side. The Walk the Talk has become a landmark on the Joburg calender. The event is now in its fifth year and we are delighted with the growing public response," said 702's station manager, Yusuf Abramjee.

A minute of silence was observed at the start of the 5 and 10km walks to remember all victims of crime - including recent abduction and murder victim, Leigh Matthews.

NOCSA President, Sam Ramsamy, started the 10km walk together with City of Joburg speaker, Councillor Nandi Mayathula-Khoza while singer PJ Powers sang the National Anthem at the start of the walk.

Corlett Drive was turned into a sea of people as thousands of walkers lined the route. Several high-profile South Africans took part in the event including SA Tourism boss, Cheryl Carolus, Miss South Africa Joan Ramagoshi, celebrities and representatives from corporates.

At the stadium, South Africa's top party band, Denim, singer Tamara Dey and popular group Drum Café entertained the crowd.

Abramjee attributes the walks' success to its accessibility factor. "There is a distance for everyone," he said. "If you're a serious walker, you get up early and attempt the 42km walk. If you want a family-bonding experience, you can take your kids and dogs and walk 5 or 10km."

702's Finance Editor Bruce Whitfield, and afternoon show host David O'Sullivan, walked blindfolded this year. This was to raise awareness and funds for the South African Guide-Dogs Association. Walkers were also encouraged to add a donation to their entrance fee to help the organisation. The funds go towards training guide dogs for those who are blind. 702 presented a cheque of R61 000 to the association.

The Walk was endorsed by the City of Joburg and contributes to their vision of portraying Joburg as the sporting capital of Southern Africa. They are involved with various aspects of the Walk and provide services from Joburg Metro Police Department - who control traffic on the day - to PikitUp who are responsible for cleaning the roads after the Walk. Joburg Water contributed 150 000 water sachets and Joburg Parks and Joburg Roads Agency were also involved in the planning and logistics of the 702 Walk the Talk.