Icon's Journey Marathon gets underway in EC as runners cover 7x42km in 7 days & 103km on last day

Vulithuba Sangoni, founder of the Icon's Journey Marathon is happy to see the event growing because it benefits underprivileged kids across South Africa. Since 2018, the annual 8-day run and ride has been taking place in the Eastern Cape to celebrate the towns and hamlets that produced the national and international struggle icons such as Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Thabo Mbeki. This year, they hope to cover 400km in 8 days between the 31st of July to August 7 to raise enough funds to support an estimated 4 000 kids across the country with school shoes, uniforms, and sanitary pads.

Runners started their epic journey yesterday as they run through the Eastern Cape in celebration of the country's heroes. Photo Credit: Icon's Journey Marathon.

Speaking to #TheTopRunner Sangoni was delighted to welcome participants from around the country including Comrades Marathon gold medalist Prodigal Kumalo and the legendary Julian Karp, who has ran over 800 42km races to date. "I'm pleased with the job we have done so far. I'm positive to say it's all system go," said an elated Sangoni.

"The race was supposed to take place earlier this month but we postponed it due to the Covid19 Lockdown restrictions. It's good that this event is going ahead because it helps a lot of children. As things stand a total number of 1 200 are guaranteed to be assisted all thanks to donations made by corporate companies. I'm delighted that there are people out there who are generous even when the situation is tough due to Covid19," he said.

Runner have to tough it out on the cold mornings and hilly terrain. Photo Credit: Icon's Journey Marathon.

The gruelling 400km odyssey will be completed over notoriously hilly Eastern Cape terrain at a rate of seven consecutive 42km, while 103km will be covered on the last day. And Sangoni is urging runners across the world to join them virtually in order to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

"Due to Covid 19, we have a limited field. But I know people love the race big time! In UK, they hosted the race through our partnership with Sports Ubuntu and it's one of the areas where we received most donations last year. People can join us virtually in celebration of our heroes,"he concluded. You can enter the race here by visiting: https://www.theiconsjourneymarathon.com/ And if you're not fit enough to run 7 consecutive marathons but still want to play your part then you can donate by going to: www.backabuddy.co.za/400kmiconicchallenge