Marima to raise funds to aid children (Video)

Edenglen Virgin Active Club manager Sipho Marima is at it again.

He is raising funds to aid children in rural areas with educational resources and programmes.

Marima will be cycling at the Unogwaja Challenge and run at the Comrades Marathon in succession over 12 days from June 2.

The runner was featured on the NEWS previously as he raised funds for Little Eden Society on multiple running races.

He was also recognised by Richard Branson in London for his willingness to go the extra mile in community service and work.

“Helping people in need, energises me,” said the social athlete.

Marima is new to cycling and is currently training for the Unogwaja Challenge.

“It was not hard to transition into cycling.

“I am going to learn how to change a bicycle tyre puncture soon,” said Marima.

The challenge covers approximately 1 700km over 11 days and on day 12 he will be running the 90km Comrades Marathon.

Phil Masterton-Smith, well known as ‘Unogwaja’ or hare in Zulu, inspired the challenge.

According to Unogwaja Challenge, Phil had no train fare to go to the 1933 Comrades.

He decided to cycle from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg to run the Comrades Marathon. He took 10th position that year.

Marima will be following in Phil’s footsteps on June 2 for charity.

Marima’s friend told him about the intimidating challenge and Marima refused at first glance.

“I researched Unogwaja and realised the cause was based on making a difference for children.

“Two weeks later, I changed my mind and applied.”

The manager admitted he has a soft spot for children and senior citizens.

“My first job at Virgin Active was at the children’s club and I am currently the regional manager for the club,” said Marima.

After applying in September 2019, he was interviewed via Skype and his training programme was vetted.

In October he got the good news that he was chosen out of many entrants from across the world.

“I was amongst the 25 people that were chosen and I feel honoured.”

The funds will go to really disadvantaged children from Siyakhula Langa in the Western Cape.

All participants are required to raise R20 000 and I am excited to be a part of the challenge.”

Marima said his biggest fear is not finishing the challenge and letting the children down.

“People will have donated and done their part, I also need to do my part.

“The good thing is I am not governed by fear, it makes me want to do better.

“The training is crazy,” said the athlete.

Marima said he runs in the safe streets of Edenvale and trains long-distance cycling at the Cradle in Magaliesburg.

Marima’s dietary requirements are stricter, but on Fridays he rewards himself with pap and meat.

“My Unogwaja mentor Ricardo Almeida from Brazil helps me a lot with preparing.

“People say I am mad to do this but I guess that’s my type of crazy,” said the mentee.

To donate to Marima’s Unogwaja Challenge and follow his journey, go to www.givengain.com and search for Sipho Marima.

Marima shared top five tips on how to support an athlete in training.

1. If they have a cause, donate towards it.

2. Follow their journey on social media to understand the journey better.

3. Train together with them, if you can.

4. Give them words of encouragement.

5. Be available for a call or a talk when they go through tough times.

To donate following the link

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