The Icon’s Journey Marathon 2023 was launched at the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha on Wednesday, June 28.
The founder and director of the Icon’s Journey Foundation, Chief Vulithuba Sangoni, said that the marathon will start at Fort Hare University in Alice and included in the route will be Fort Beaufort, Whittlesea, Komani, Cofimvaba, Ngcobo, Clarkebury, Baziya, Mqhekezweni, Qunu and Qokolweni. The finish will be at the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha.
According to him, the third edition of the 400km Iconic Challenge, will see 13 social runners who are Icons For Change representing various provinces taking place over a gruelling 400km distance over eight days, broken down into seven consecutive 42,2km distances and 103km on day eight, through the route declared by National Heritage Council as Eastern Cape’s Resistance and Liberation Heritage Route.
Sangoni confirmed that this year they had also included learners from different schools who will also take part in the marathon. Six learners from each school will participate.
“The aim of this event is to raise funds to benefit pupils in rural and township schools with basic necessities that keep them in schools, like school shoes and uniform, sanitary pads, sports kits and equipment. The event’s first two years have seen over 4 000 school children benefiting from our initiative in all provinces.”
According to Sangoni, this year they will have a majority of females taking part in the event. There will be seven females and six males, since it was launched in 2021.
He confirmed that on July 21, the Nelson Mandela Museum and Absa Bank will host a fund-raising gala dinner at the Bhunga Building in an effort to assist the 400km Iconic Challengers reach and exceed their target.
“This year seats will be sold at various amounts, depending on the host of the table, ranging from mayors, MECs, the premier, private companies and business people. A hiking event will take place from July 27 to 29, returning for the third time.
“The 39km two-day hike will see hikers walk from Qunu village and tour inside Mqhekezweni Komkhulu (the home that made Madiba) before driving off to the starting point of their hike.”
He said they were reversing the cycle route that takes daring cyclists on a journey over two kingdoms from Thembuland and Mpondoland.
He said that a 95km road bike event will start at 7:00 from Nelson Mandela Museum, and a 50km event will start at 7:30 from Ntlaza Junction. Both events will take place along the R61 and finish at Port St Johns Stadium. He said that July 30 is the running event, with four starting points and a spot running challenge.
“Physical entries will thereafter be available at the Nelson Mandela Museum and Absa branches in Mthatha, Old Mutual KSD and Port St Johns municipalities, Department of Sport , Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), Savoy Hotel and Buffalo Toyota. We also urge the residents of Chris Hani and OR Tambo municipalities to own the event by coming out in their numbers to support participants over these eight days.
Entry fees are – Running 103 km (R800), 35 km (R290), 14km (R200) and 7km (R140). Cycling 95km (R450), 50 km (250), and the two-day hike R1 999 (transport, meals and accommodation).
Giving a word of support, the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Museum, Vuyani Booi, said that they welcomed this launch.
He said that he appreciated the relationship they continue to build with stakeholders about working together.
Booi confirmed that the late Nelson Mandela was a sports person and was very much involved in sport – especially with boxing. It is on this basis that they are using sport as another platform to showcase his values.
“He very much identified with sport; that is why, as the Nelson Mandela Museum, when we look at sport, we look at it as another strategy to sell his values. Sport is very important, not only boxing, but all codes.”
One of the champions who will be taking part again to defend his title, Mthandazo Qhina, said that he is ready.
“Even if the marathon can be tomorrow, I am ready enough to do what I like to do,” said Qhina.
He advised other runners to ensure that they keep themselves healthy when they want to participate in athletics.
Another winner, Siviwe Nomaphelana, also confirmed that she is also ready to participate.
Entries are still open online at www.theiconsjourneymarathon.com until midnight on Friday July 30, this will also be the closing date for those looking to receive free Iconic t-shirts for their event.
