​Lerato Mailoane
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed the revival of the City2City Ultra-Marathon and the annual Premier Social Cohesion (PSC) Games for 2024.
During the launch event held in Sandton on Thursday, Premier Lesufi expressed his satisfaction with the amalgamation of both events, a strategic move aimed at garnering maximum support.
"Gauteng will continue to invest in sports and bring all significant sporting events in the province. We want to create a platform and opportunity for our athletes.
"We want Gauteng to not only be the 'Home of Champions' we want to be the custodian of big events. In our lifetime, the Olympic games will be held in our province, but we must bring our infrastructure to be competitive."  
The Premier's Social Cohesion Games were established in 2017 by the provincial government in collaboration with the Hellenic Italian and Portuguese (HIP) Alliance. The initiative aims to foster social cohesion and nation-building and mobilise Gauteng communities against racism and xenophobia.
Following an eight-year hiatus, the City2City Ultra-Marathon returns, supported by the Gauteng Provincial Government. The 50 km race between Tshwane and Johannesburg is scheduled for Sunday, 31 March 2024, in partnership with Athletics South Africa, Athletics Gauteng North, and Central Gauteng Athletics.
Over the years, the Premier's Social Cohesion Games and the City2City Ultra-Marathon have played integral roles in uniting the diverse communities of Gauteng through sports. They also nurture world-class talent, thereby solidifying the province's reputation as the ultimate home of champions.
Premier Lesufi initially desired the marathon to coincide with Freedom Day on 27 April.
Offering an impressive prize purse of R1.2 million, winners in both the men's and women's races will each receive R200,000, with runners-up awarded R100,000 each.
The 50km ultra-marathon will commence at the Centurion Rugby Club at 6 am and conclude at the Wanderers Sports Club. 
MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation Morakane Mosupyoe highlighted the Premier's directive to return the City2City Marathon upon her appointment. 
"We come together to celebrate the power of sports in promoting unity, diversity, and social cohesion in our province."
Mosupyoe affirmed the commitment to hosting both tournaments annually, underscoring their role in promoting athletic excellence and social harmony across Gauteng.
"They provide us with an opportunity to connect, learn from one another and celebrate the diversity that makes Gauteng a vibrant and dynamic province."