DSI hosts fun run for cleaner and healthier public spaces

The latest Cityzens 4 Clean Air fun run will take place in Cape Town on 3 December.  The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is partnering with UrbanBetter to highlight air pollution and the contribution that citizen science can make to mitigating the effects of climate change.

The Cityzens 4 Clean Air run is a 5 km or 10 km race that is part of the build up to the World Science Forum opening on 6 December.  Runners in Sea Point and Khayelitsha will take to the road to highlight the importance of keeping tabs on urban air quality.

Air pollution not only fuels climate change, but also affects our health. Ongoing exposure to harmful toxins in the air increases the risk of heart attacks, lung cancer, stunted development in children and asthma, among other problems.

Participants will be equipped with wearable sensors to test the air quality on their route.  An app is used to capture geocoded data on built-up areas and possible sources of polluted air encountered.

Routes are chosen to cover different socio-economic zones.  The fun runs will start at Mouille Point Lighthouse at 07:45 and Mandela Park in Khayelitsha at 08:00.

On completion of these two runs, the data collected will be analysed and the findings will be shared at the closing session of the WSF 2022 on Friday, 9 December.

Cityzens 4 Clean Air is part of the UrbanBetter Cityzens initiative, a collaborative learning and advocacy platform that mobilises citizens for healthy, sustainable, urban environments.

The media are invited as follows:

Saturday, 3 December 2022

·         Mouille Point Lighthouse at 07:45

·         Khayelitsha, Mandela Park at 08:00

To RSVP or for enquiries, please contact Veronica Mohapeloa at 083 400 5750 or Thabang Setlhare at 072 659 9690.