THE founder of the Icon’s Journey 5km Colour Run, Nkosi Vulithuba Sangoni from Qokolweni Administration Area in Mthatha, confirmed that the event will be hosted in Mthatha on June 23.
Sangoni said they had partnered with Absa, Nelson Mandela Museum, Kuwala Financial Services, the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and Mthatha Express.
He added that this is in line with the 400km Corporal Social Investment (CSI) initiative, and with the theme of the Icon’s Journey event.
According to Sangoni, the run is aimed at raising funds to assist the 400km iconic runners to come close to their target of raising R500 000, that will see over 5 000 school kids in villages and townships benefiting with school shoes, sanitary towels and sports kit amongst other educational necessities, in 2025.
“The 5km route, sanctioned by Athletics Transkei, promises to be very colourful and entries opened on May 31. The family fun run will start and finish at Absa Branch Cathedral in Mthatha, touching some iconic landmarks around the city of Mthatha. Along this 5km route will be music and entertainment, with runners splashed with five colours which are part of the South African flag which signifies the national impact this run will have, when schools benefit in 2025.”
Sangoni confirmed that entry forms are available at Absa branches in Mthatha (Circus Triangle, Sutherland, Ngebs Mall and Cathedral). The entry fee is R50 and the first 200 people to register will receive Absa goodies, i.e. socks, shoelaces and sun-visor caps.
He said this event is an activation to the event that will take place between July 14 and 21 which includes the 400km, Hiking and Cycling events, and the short distance running events.
Entries are still available online until June 30, 2024, on
www.theiconsjourneymarathon.com
Acccording to Sangoni, July 2024 marks the fourth annual The Icon’s Journey Marathon event, a heritage event inspired by those who fought for the liberation of this country, as the route touches their birth places – the likes of Chris Hani, Dr AB Xhuma, King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD), President Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and many others.
According to his statement, this is an event for the community that is committed to using the sport of running to bring social change in villages and townships of this country.
“On July 14, 12 runners representing eight different provinces will line up outside Fort Hare University to run the third annual 400km Iconic Challenge over eight days, finishing at Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha. I will also be taking part in this challenge.”
