The theme of this year race, set for August 28, is “It always seems impossible until its done” – one of the late President Nelson Mandela’s inspirational quotes.
From the very first Mandela Day Marathon on 20 August 2012, over 30 000 athletes have been to the district to demonstrate their own ‘Madiba Magic’ and lend support to the preservation of Mandela’s legacy.
Started in honour of this world icon, mayor of the uMgungundlovu District Municipality, Councilor Yusuf Bhamjee, explained the symbolism of hosting the Mandela Day Marathon in the district.
“The family of municipalities within the uMgungundlovu District Municipality share a special relationship with the iconic Nelson Mandela.
The marathon begins at the site where the young Mandela made his last speech as a free man on 26 March 1961, and ends at the Mandela Capture Site, where he was finally arrested when he came back to the country on 05 August, 1962.
The Mandela Day Marathon and its festival of sporting events, a flagship project of the district, is an expression of our collective appreciation of the sacrifices made by Madiba and his companions to ensure that South Africa belongs to all who live in it. This marathon seeks to immortalise the life and times of the internationally acclaimed statesman,” says Bhamjee.
“The marathon had grown exponentially and has become a fixture on the international sporting calendar. To cater for this growth and continue to attract leading athletes from across the world, the district formed strategic partnerships with different tiers of government, corporates and the sporting fraternity to ensure that they deliver a world class marathon that befits the stature of the late Mandela,” noted uMgungundlovu District’s Municipal Manager, Sibusiso Khuzwayo.
After- all Madiba was an athlete in the form of boxing.
Thus far, the marathon has raised R12m from partnerships created since its establishment.
Both male and female winners each pocket R100 000.
The Mandela Day Marathon is open to all and children. It comprises of 42.2km, 21.1km and 10km races.
This two-day sporting festival will also have mountain biking, Trail Running and triathlon races, set for August 27.
The marathon is set for August 28.
For further enquiries and registration of the event, call 033 897 6713, email info@mandelamarathon.co.za or visit www.mandelamarathon.co.za
