'We are excited to bring a Comrades qualifier to our doorstep' - Mamepe Striders gear up to host inaugural MNS Attorneys Carnival City Marathon

After successfully hosting the annual Duduza Community Race over the last two years, Mamepe Striders will host the inaugural MNS Attorneys Carnival City Marathon on May 1.

The club, from the Nigel township of Duduza, first hosted a 16km community run in 2023 and increased the distance to 32km last year. The interest from the running community in both races convinced the club's decision makers that it was time to host a marathon.

The event has already garnered huge interest with celebrated Comrades Bus Drivers Buks van Heerden and Shahieda 'Makhi' Thungo, announced as ambassadors. Being a Comrades Marathon qualifying event, the race will likely see a huge attendance and Chairperson Thabo Moorosi expressed his excitement because they will achieve a goal they set when the club was established in 2015.

The Mamepe Striders will host the MNS Carnival City Marathon on May 1. Photo Credit: Lebohang Pita.

"This will be our third official race. We wanted to grow each year and bring a different dimension as we gain experience. We are excited as a club that we are on the verge of delivering on the biggest mission and vision of the club – to bring a Comrades Marathon qualifier to our doorstep."

Moorosi is grateful to headline sponsor Mncedisi Ndlovu and Sedumedi Attorneys, who celebrate their 23rd birthday in May, for their support through the law firm's CSI initiatives. "They have gone above and beyond their mandate to support a black child's dream. It felt right to associate this project with an ambitious brand such as theirs."

Shahieda 'Makhi' Thungo is one of the ambassadors of the MNS Attorneys Carnival City Marathon.

Their partnership with Carnival City came about after the club hosted its Comrades Gala Dinner at the casino in Brakpan in August and because of Carnival City GM Bryan O'Connor's (a two-time Comrades finisher) interest in The Ultimate Human Race. The marathon, which also includes a half-marathon, 10km and 5km family fun run, is a double-lapper and will take runners along a relatively flat route through the Brakpan suburbs of Minnebron, Denneoord, Dalview and Dalpark.

"Carnival City has always had an interest in supporting runners because they've previously hosted a race and also host the Parkrun on Saturdays, as well as an annual night trail run. The route was carefully chosen and we are certain the runners will enjoy the experience," Moorosi said.