Fun run fundraiser organised to help send top local runners to London Marathon
Local athletes have rallied behind two of the Eastern Cape’s top runners Malixole Kalideni and Yanga Malusi who have been given a once-in-alifetime invitation to the prestigious TCS London Marathon, taking place in the UK in April.
The 42.165km route includes London landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf and had 48,000 participants in 2023.
On Friday evening Kalideni’s club the Old Selbornian Road Runners, will be hosting The Fast lane Fundraiser; a downhill 5km run in with the hope of raising the estimated R60,000 for flight and travel costs.
Seventy participants have already signed on.
The athletes were offered two charity spaces in the race, made possible by the Kotelo Mbekeni Foundation and Reach Out Autism, both based in the UK.
In a letter addressed to the president of Border Athletics, Kotelo Mbekeni Foundation chair Brian Kotelo said the organisations would support Kalideni and Malusi with accommodation, navigation, nutrition and travelling expenses in the UK.
However, their return flights and visa costs were still needed.
Old Selbornian Road Runners president Sharon Bosch said the club would host the fundraiser for both athletes and split the proceeds equally.
“These are our top athletes in the province at the moment,” she said.
“We decided for this to be for both runners because it’s not easy getting sponsorship.
“It’s very important for both of them.
“This is an opportunity for them to be noticed on an international level.”
The fun run includes lucky draws for two pairs of Asics Nimbus Gel 26 shoes, and runners will receive a T-shirt at the finish line.
The goal amount needed would be R30,000 per runner for flights and additional travel expenses, Bosch said.
Bosch said it was rare to be accepted as a participant.
“The London Marathon is elite. You can only get in if you join a sports touring [operator]
which is very expensive or you get a ballot which is virtually impossible.
“Last year Malixole said if there was any marathon he wanted to run it would be this one.
“And now is the chance, it would be a dream come true.”
Alex Kambule of Malusi’s club, Real Gijimas Athletic Club, said they were trying by all means to make the London trip a reality for him.
Kambule said: “Everyone is super excited and we wish him all the best. We are looking for any financial assistance to come on board.”
Kalideni, 31, from Draaibos village in Komga, picked up running 10 years ago and wakes up at 4am to train on its dusty streets for 250km a week.
He came 11th in the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in 2023, a 56km race in Cape Town.
“I started running to challenge myself,” he said.
“I wanted to finish 10km, then I wanted to finish 15km I was a runner in primary school but that was years before.
“When I decided to get back to it during the journey I saw I had potential.”
“I’m working very hard. It’ sa privilege for me and I never want to miss the opportunity.”
Both are members of Border Athletics and have their colours.
Malusi, 26, from Butterworth, started running in 2011 as a solo sport, running about 37km every day except Fridays.
“It’s an individual sport,” he said.
“That’s what I like, not depending on someone.
“If you want to do it, you do it.”
Malusi thanked all the supporters and the organisers of the fundraiser, and said he was overwhelmed by the invitation to run the marathon.
“I’m a bit nervous because it’s a big marathon and means a lot. The fundraiser run is great support for us and I am so excited.”
On Friday (February 9) the Fast Lane Fundraiser takes place at the Old Selbornian Club, Berea from 6pm.
Registration is R100 per person.
Registration is on Wednesday and Thursday at 4-5pm, and at 5pm on Friday before the race. Follow the Facebook page event for ongoing information.