Khayelitsha Athletics Club says measures in place for race amid safety fears after taxi violence flares up

CAPE TOWN - The Khayelitsha Athletics Club (KAC) says the safety of runners and supporters will be top priority at its annual Khayelitsha Road Race next week.

Safety concerns were raised after a flare-up of taxi violence in Cape Town this week.

Five people were shot dead and nine others injured in attacks at taxi ranks in Khayelitsha, Philippi East, and Macassar.

Race director, Siphiwo Klaas, said all Cape Town law enforcement agencies were on board and the event would go ahead as planned next week Sunday.

Klaas said they're expecting more than 1,000 runners to take part in the 5km and 10km races to be hosted at the Mandela Park Stadium. 

He urged Capetonians to come out in their numbers to support the event.

"We are ready for the runners, and we have pulled out all the stops to ensure that we host this beautiful event in our area and ensure there's excitement and entertainment set up for the people and great prizes for the participants."

Klaas added that entry fee for runners starts at R30 to R110, depending on age and race category.

"The start time is 7am but we start taking registrations at 5am until 6:10am before the 10km event. We also have the 5km event that starts at 7:30am."