Mghabi gives back after Comrades virtual run
RICHARDS Bay ultra endurance road runner, Nontu Mghabi, has raised a whopping R24 765 for charity during her 45km Comrades Marathon virtual run on Sunday.
The funds will be used for food parcels to feed 55 destitute families in Dukuduku Village in Mtubatuba.
From her own pocket, Mghabi matched the amount raised, making more than
R49 000 available for her feeding scheme.
Food parcels were to be delivered today (Monday) to beneficiaries via their children who attend Khiphinkunzi Primary School.
‘This school is close to my heart, and I knew that with schools closed and the government feeding scheme halted, pupils would be in distress,’ said Mghabi.
This is not the first time this year that Mghabi has raised funds for the school.
She made history in February when she became the first South African woman to finish the World Marathon Challenge, which saw athletes complete seven marathons (42.2km) in seven continents over seven consecutive days.
With that event, Mghabi raised enough funds to build five classrooms and an open plan administration office, as well as tackling some other renovations.
‘We planned to launch that project in April, which had to be delayed because of the national lockdown.
‘At least now we can resume. A site meeting with the contractors tendering for the work was held on Thursday.
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Mghabi completed her virtual run from Camperdown to Lahee Park in Pinetown in 3.56.31.
‘I chose to run a section of the actual Comrades route as I wanted to feel the agony of those hills.
‘The first half of the run was hilly and challenging, but the second half was flat and fast.’
She enjoyed running without the pressure of chasing a medal.
‘Families and everyone out on the route was in high spirit, which made it special and almost spiritual.
‘We love the Comrades Marathon and did not want it to fail and become a Covid-19 ‘victim’,’ she said
Mghabi has completed five Comrades Marathons so far and says - barring injury - she will certainly be at the starting line next year.