Marathon inspired by greatest son of the Qunu soil
The Heroes Marathon 2018 celebrates the centenary of South Africa's greatest son Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, whose roots are firmly entrenched in the foothills of rural “Transkei”.
The marathon has been in existence for a number of years, but looks set to “come of age” this weekend, which in itself would be a massive tribute to the great man.
The race, the marathon of 42.2km that is, starts in Qunu, the place Mandela called “home” and where upon his release from an apartheid prison he would build a house. He is quoted as having said of Qunu: “I loved it in the unconditional way that a child loves his first home.”
It is at Qunu, too, that Mandela is buried, though his resting place is yet to be revealed to the public.
The marathon route follows the N2 to Mthatha and finishes at the campus of the Walter Sisulu University, named after one of Mandela’s closest friends and fellow Rivonia treason triallist and a man in whom he would confide throughout, including during their years on Robben Island.
The road is a tough demanding one and for every downhill a runner encounters, there follows a tough uphill that reaches for the sky and will sap the energy of even the fittest athlete.
Not far from the start is Mvezo which is Mandela’s birthplace. Affectionately known throughout the world by his clan name Madiba, tourists from across the globe regularly visit the region and likewise runners from across the continent of Africa travel to run in his footsteps.
The small village lies on the banks of the Mbashe River, which the hundreds of runners will cross and on its day can be quite the spectacle.
The Mbashe River pass is but one of the testing sections of the 42.2km route and it is an area steeped in history, with King Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcau, the current monarch. Mandela himself is said to have participated in distance running, particularly when he was being schooled at Clarkbury and he is quoted as saying that it taught him “discipline and solitariness”.
Despite his royal blood lineage Mandela received no special favours at the school and the runners in the Heroes Marathon will equally be up against all the odds of marathon running and will only triumph if they apply themselves correctly.
There are big prizes up for the top runners across the races on offer, but caution, course knowledge and good race tactics will define who impresses the bank manager come Monday morning.
And the first male and female in the marathon wins a brand new car.