Sanlam Cape Town Marathon race ambassador and South African athletics legend, Elana van Zyl, was awarded the prestigious Sri Chinmoy Oneness Home Peace Run Torch Bearer Award at Green Point on Saturday – a tribute to her substantial work over the years promoting peace through sport.
Van Zyl, who was largely responsible for the re-birth and success of the Cape Town Marathon as a World Athletics Gold Label Marathon, became only the tenth recipient of the award in as many years.
Van Zyl joins an impressive list of celebrities known for their commitment to world peace, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, tennis legend, Billie-Jean King, multiple Olympic gold medallist, Carl Lewis and past UNESCO president the Hon Dr. Davidson Hepburn of Bahamas.
“As we journey across the country and around the world, invariably we come into contact with some remarkable people who have inspired their communities, their cities and nations through their own lives and deeds. And Elana van Zyl is certainly one of those,” said South African Peace Torch representative, Abhijatri Robinson.
“The presence of the Peace Run and torch creates an opportunity to recognise these remarkable people.
“Elana’s great work over the years for sport and peace, including the establishment of the Cape Town Marathon 10km Peace Run, makes her a worthy winner of the medal. We have observed her passion in supporting the many runners who finish the Cape Town Marathon, inspiring them with her energy. She is a remarkably humble and wonderful person.”
