Runner in gruelling challenge to raise funds for school

DRIVEN by a desire to give back and her love for adventure, Nontuthuko Mgabhi recently successfully completed the World Marathon Challenge by running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.

Mgabhi, who comes from the rural village of Mseni in northern KwaZulu-Natal, said she decided to take part in the challenge to raise funds for the Khiphinkunzi Primary School in Mtubatuba.

“I went to a no-fee school, which helped a lot because it meant the burden of school fees was taken off my parents’ shoulders,” she said.

She said she realised that through running she could raise funds and help change lives for the better.

“It’s for this reason I decided to run to raise funds to improve a needy primary school in Dukuduku Village (in Mtubatuba).”

On the challenges she faced on the runs, Mgabhi said: “Running seven marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days is indeed a real challenge.

“Throughout the seven days we had only three showers, we had to fly for almost 80 hours. We really had to be efficient – we had to move fast as we needed to complete the challenge within 168 hours (seven days). The biggest challenge, though, was the conditions in Antarctica. Running on ice – you see nothing in Antarctica other than ice. The weather was particularly bad as we had gale-force winds.”

She said what kept her going was a video she received from the principal of Khiphinkunzi Primary School of the pupils singing “Nontu, go conquer the world” while holding a poster of her running, and the support she received from many people back home.

“I was truly grateful for the strength to endure. I was excited to go back and share the story with children at Khiphinkunzi, a story of hope and triumph against all odds.

“My goal is to raise R3.5 million to build five classrooms, two administration offices and renovate the school.”

Mgabhi said that now that she had conquered the World Marathon Challenge she would focus on the school.

“Yes, in 2021 I would love to do another gruelling challenge. The World Marathon Challenge also opened my eyes.

“This challenged my perspective on what is possible. I believe that after this challenge I will be more daring,” she said.

People who wish to support the cause can do so by donating on this link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/khiphinkunzi-primary