The human spirits ability to triumph over any adversity was celebrated as over 5000 athletes from across the country and the world gathered in the uMgungundlovu District Municipality to take part in the second edition of the annual Nelson Mandela Marathon. This race which is 42 km in length and is run between Pietermaritzburg, starting at the Manaye Hall in Edendale and finishes at the historic Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick.
It was Africa that stood out as athletes from countries in Africa took the coveted gold medal in the 42 km marathon for both the men and women’s race. Commenting of this event, MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs said that the thousands of athletes and spectators that have pitched up to run this race and to add their support have done themselves proud.
“When we look at the significant role that Nelson Mandela has played in the creation of new democratic South Africa, one cannot help but be in awe of the calibre of leadership that our country has produced. Running this race is therefore a way in which athletes and spectators can commemorate the long road to freedom that our country has undertaken” said Dube.
“The runners from Africa have done us proud, and this shows how significant the impact Nelson Mandela has had on the whole world” Dube continues. The winner for the men’s 42 km race, Ethiopian Bekele, Getachew Eshetu, said that to win this race, has been for him, one of the biggest highlights of his career. “I love Nelson Mandela very much and this race, I took part in it to honour him” said an emotional Bekele.
The second and third spot went to South Africans David Rasefako and Sikhumbuzo Seme, who carried the weight of the nation’s expectations with distinction. In the ladies 42 km race, it was a case of two sisters competing against each other as, Zimbabwean’s Chiyedza Chokore together with her sister Lizih Chokore took first and second place.
This historic race has been also an eye opener for the many supporters who after seeing the athletes joy after finishing the race, have taken it upon themselves to be part of next year’s marathon. Catherine Skosana from South Africa, took third place. The race is estimated to have injected over R4 million into the local economy in uMgungundlovu District Municipality.
