Thousands Explore Johannesburg at the 702 Walk the Talk

By Nomakhosi Miya

Thousands of people gathered at Ellis Park Stadium on 26 July 2026 to take part in the annual 702 Walk the Talk, a community event that encouraged participants to explore Johannesburg while promoting health, fitness and social connection.

Walkers could choose from three routes, each offering a unique experience of the city. The 15km walk, which started at 7:00am, took participants across the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge, through Newtown’s vibrant arts precinct and into Braamfontein. The 8km route, which began at 9:00am, guided walkers through Main Street and the lively Maboneng Precinct, showcasing some of Johannesburg’s historic landmarks and cultural attractions. The 5km walk, starting at 10:00am, followed the Victoria Yards circuit, introducing participants to creative spaces and colourful neighbourhoods. All three routes were wheelchair and pram friendly, making the event accessible to people of all abilities.

Throughout the walk, participants enjoyed various activities organised by sponsors, including Standard Bank, Absa and Mazda. Promotional activations, competitions, games and entertainment were positioned along the routes, while refreshments were provided to keep walkers energised. Inspirational messages displayed on roads and poles motivated participants as they made their way through the city.

The event was designed to encourage people to discover Johannesburg’s rich history, culture and hidden attractions while enjoying an active lifestyle. Safety remained a top priority, with police officers, private security personnel and emergency medical services stationed throughout the routes to ensure the well-being of everyone taking part.

One of the participants, Ms Nkabinde, who completed the 8km walk, said the event created valuable family time. “My family really enjoyed spending time together, and it brought us closer. I also learned a lot about Johannesburg. I even discovered that my daughter can sing very well because she was enjoying herself throughout the walk,” she said.

A marketing student who participated in the 15km walk while assisting with promotional activities said the experience helped build her confidence. “I am trying to come out of my shell as a marketing student. I saw this as a strategy to help me grow and improve my marketing skills,” she said.

The festivities continued long after the walking routes had ended. Participants were given an opportunity to explore Ellis Park Stadium before making their way to Johannesburg Stadium, where a family-friendly live music event entertained crowds until 6:00pm. Several artists performed throughout the afternoon, bringing the day to a memorable close.

The 702 Walk the Talk once again demonstrated how community events can successfully promote healthy living, bring families together and encourage residents to experience Johannesburg in a safe, fun and engaging way.