Thousands run Mandela Day Marathon
Organisers of yesterday's Mandela Day Marathon say 24,000 athletes have 'run the legacy' in various disciplines during Nelson Mandela's centenary year.
The main 42.2km race in the men's category was won by Sintayehu Legese Yinesu from Ethiopia. Kenya's Loice Jebet was the first woman home.
“The Mandela Day Marathon has again demonstrated our capacity to organise world-class sporting events that not only bring people together for a common purpose but also provide much needed economic opportunities for our communities and municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal,” said MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
“Our cheers go to all winners and participants of this year’s marathon. As exciting as it is to win a sporting event of this nature, the best experience is to participate. We also applaud all visitors who have come to cheer these athletes,” said uMgungundlovu district Mayor Cllr Thobekile Maphumulo.
This year's race was the seventh edition of the Mandela Day Marathon.
The marathon aims to celebrate and preserve the legacy of the late former President, Nelson Mandela. It is also geared towards providing business opportunities and jobs for the local communities in the uMgungundlovu District.
Marketing the province as a key tourism and investment destination is another cornerstone of the event.
The 42.2km route links Edendale and the Mandela Capture Site outside Howick in the Midlands.
The organising committee comprises representatives of Cogta and the uMgungundlovu District Municipality. They have jointly co-organised the race since its inception in 2012.
“The Mandela Day Marathon has again demonstrated our capacity to organise world-class sporting events that not only bring people together for a common purpose but also provide much needed economic opportunities for our communities and municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal,” said MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
“Our cheers go to all winners and participants of this year’s marathon. As exciting as it is to win a sporting event of this nature, the best experience is to participate. We also applaud all visitors who have come to cheer these athletes,” said uMgungundlovu district Mayor Cllr Thobekile Maphumulo.
This year's race was the seventh edition of the Mandela Day Marathon.
The marathon aims to celebrate and preserve the legacy of the late former President, Nelson Mandela. It is also geared towards providing business opportunities and jobs for the local communities in the uMgungundlovu District.
Marketing the province as a key tourism and investment destination is another cornerstone of the event.
The 42.2km route links Edendale and the Mandela Capture Site outside Howick in the Midlands.
The organising committee comprises representatives of Cogta and the uMgungundlovu District Municipality. They have jointly co-organised the race since its inception in 2012.