Mandela Day Marathon ambassadors include Comrades legend Bruce Fordyce (R), pictured here with 2014 Comrades Marathon winner Bongumusa Mthembu.
Following the successful launch of the Mandela Day Marathon at the Nelson Mandela capture site in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, the uMgungundlovu District Municipality (of Pietermaritzburg) today, 2 July 2014, launched the Mandela Day Marathon at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg.
The 42.2km Mandela Day Marathon, now in its third year, takes place on 31 August 2014 and traces Mr Mandela’s footsteps – from the venue of his last speech as a free man prior to his arrest at Manai Hall in Pietermaritzburg, to the site of his capture in Howick.
The marathon honours Madiba’s legacy through sport and provides a platform to grow awareness of his life and his contribution to South Africa’s democratic freedom.
uMgungundlovu District Municipality Mayor Yusuf Bhamjee hands over race medals to Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Sello Hatang
While Mr Mandela’s long walk has come to an end, the uMgungundlovu District Municipality and the Nelson Mandela Foundation invites everyone to take part in various sporting events as a means of honouring Madiba’s legacy, says Sello Hatang, Foundation CEO.
The weekend sporting event (on 30 and 31 August) incudes a children’s race, a 4.6664km run, a 10km road run, a 21.1km road run and a 42.2km marathon, as well as a 21km and 42km mountain bike dash and trail run.
uMgungundlovu District Municipality Mayor Yusuf Bhamjee described the venue and race distance as significant, since it traces the exact journey Mr Mandela took before being arrested in Howick.
“Each marathon has a personality and ours is unique. We have a race dedicated to the father of the nation and via the AIMS-sanctioned Mandela Day Marathon, a world-class sporting event, we are championing understanding among all South Africans of where we come from and what Mr Mandela stood for,” he said.
From left: District Municipality Municipal Manager Sbu Khuzwayo, Comrades legend Bruce Fordyce, 2014 Comrades Marathon winner Bongumusa Mthembu, uMgungundlovu District Municipality Mayor Yusuf Bhamjee, Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Sello Hatang and KZN Athletics President Sello Mokoena
District Municipality Municipal Manager Sbu Khuzwayo described the marathon as a top priority for the district, saying that 20% of all entry fees will accrue to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, to be donated to charities and institutions in KwaZulu-Natal that serve disadvantaged communities.
“The race sponsors include Standard Bank, FutureLife, G-flit, Sigma IT, Windmills (accommodation venue), Liberty Midlands Mall, Kyron Lab, Mgeni water, SAB and the Post Office,” he added.
Race director Johan van Staden urged members of the public to enter the race as soon as possible, since there are only 30 days left before entries close (31 July).
“We are thrilled that South Africa’s pro running clubs have pledged their top athletes to take part in the marathon. We anticipate over 50 pro runners will take part. We have capped race entries at 10 000. Please enter online at www.mandelamarathon.com to avoid disappointment,” he added.
Click here to find out more about the route, race details and other sporting events.