Cape Town – At least 620 police officers are going to take part in the 42.2 KM Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday, which has attracted more than 20 000 runners.
As a build-up to the much-anticipated race, the Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile led 154 men and women in blue from various police stations and units in the country in the warm-up 10 km race on Saturday morning.
South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has on behalf of the organisation wished the police officers taking part in the marathon well.
General Masemola said SAPS remains committed to promoting fitness and wellness amongst its employees.
He said taking part in marathons is another way of ensuring police officers stay physically fit to respond to the call of duty.
“We have really intensified our efforts to promote fitness and wellness in the organisation.
“We have a fitness policy in the police which amongst others ensures that we allocate 2 and a half hours to every police officer a week to be allowed to train and go to the gym.
“We have signed a memorandum of agreement with Virgin Active and Planet Fitness, where members get 20% off their monthly membership fee.
“We need physically fit members to run and catch criminals. A big thank you to POLMED for taking care of the needs of our members.”
General Fannie Masemola said the SAPS has 21 sporting codes, which include athletics, rugby, and soccer where the organisation encourages members to keep fit and healthy.
Lieutenant General Patekile said the men and women in blue were operationally ready to police the event to ensure the safety and security of participants and supporters.
“Our members are already on the ground heightening police visibility. We are here to ensure the race takes place in a safe and secure environment,” said Lieutenant General Patekile.
“To this year’s participants, all the men and women in blue are behind you all the way, good luck and all the best.”
