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Over 20 000 runners take part in Mandela Marathon

Runners of the 2017 Mandela Marathon make their way through Edendale. photo. Jonathan Burton.
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Over 20 000 runners are participating in the 2019 Mandela Marathon which is under way between Pietermaritzburg and Howick.

The aim of the race is to pay tribute to former President Nelson Mandela. It was initiated in 2012,  and is 42 kilometre, 21 kilometre and a 10 kilometre races.

The marathon starts from Manayi Hall at Imbali township where Mandela made his last public speech on March 25, 1961 at the All-in-Africa conference.

Thousands of runners are expected to finish their race at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site where he was arrested at Howick.

Inkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela and some of his family members as well as KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala are also participating in this year’s race.

Mandla Mandela says, “As we commemorate President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s arrest on the 5th of August in 1962 – we call on all freedom loving people to support the causes that President Mandela championed, especially the Palestinian struggle, ending the occupation of Western Sahara and the right of self-determination of the people of Kashmir.”

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