Online map for “Walk the talk” 2011 provided by MapIt

MapIT, a worldwide leader in digital mapping, will provide an interactive digital map for officials, participants and their supporters in this year’s Discovery 702 Walk the Talk. The hugely popular annual event will take place on Sunday, 24 July. For the sixth year running, Marks Park Sports Club will be the home of the race, and over 50 000 walkers are expected to participate.

“The Discovery 702 Walk the Talk race is one of Joburg’s most well-loved and supported outdoor events, and we are very proud to be a part of it this year,” says MapIT Managing Director, Etienne Louw. “Our online map is designed to aid coordination between participants, spectators, and organisers, and to make the event run as smoothly as possible so that all involved can enjoy themselves on the day.”

The web map contains numerous interactive features which are designed to make life easier for walkers, spectators and residents: street level zooming, an automated routing function to navigate around road closures, water and doggy point locations along all four routes: 5km, 8km, 15km and 30km.

According to event organizer, Dominique de Klerk, in addition to assisting participants and supporters on the day, the map will also erase traffic congestion before and during the event.“ Participants, residents and spectators can view the map from our website and use the routing function to plan alternate routes around the route of the walk with minimal fuss,” explains de Klerk. “This will make the day a lot less stressful, especially for walkers who need to arrive at the start on time.”

The 702 Walk the Talk was established in 2000 when it attracted over 12 000 entrants. By 2008, the Discovery 702 Walk the Talk had 50 000 walkers that took to the streets of Joburg over the four distances: 5km, 8km, 15km and 30km Walks. As a result, the well-loved Hospitality Village doubled in size with a record number of Hospitality sites becoming popular with companies, clubs and the public to entertain their clients, co-workers and teammates after the Walk.

“MapIT staff and family members will be taking part in the 5km walk, spot us in our bright orange t-shirts, we will also have an area reserved at the  Hospitality Village, so we invite people to stop by for a chat or refreshment after the race,” adds Louw.