Muddy takes on the challenge
Benoni will be represented on the epic Unogwaja Challenge, by Mark “Muddy” Ferreira.
The Unogwaja Challenge is a 1 600km, 10-day cycle trip, from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg, from Thursday, May 23, to Saturday, June 1.
On completion of the journey, the riders then run the Comrades Ultra-Marathon on day 11 (Sunday, June 2).
Only 12 cyclists from around the world are selected for this challenge, after a panel of selectors have scrutinised interviews.
The challenge follows in the footsteps of Comrades legend Phil Masterson-Smith, who was given the name of Unogwaja (meaning Hare in Zulu).
In 1931, Masterson-Smith was the youngest ever winner at the age of 19, with the record remaining forever, as there is now an age limit of 21 years and older.
In those days the runner could not afford the train fare from Cape Town to run the Comrades Marathon, so rather than sitting back and not taking part, he climbed on a bicycle and cycled more than 1 600kms to Pietermaritzburg, and still managed a 10th position overall, at the Comrades.
In 2011, four men mirrored the efforts of Masterson-Smith and cycled 1 677kms in 10 days, and Team Unogwaja was formed.
Ferreira, a Rynfield resident, will join the team this year, with the overall aim of raising R1-million.
The funds will be distributed to Comrades’ charities AmaBeadiBeadi, Community Chest, Pink Drive, Starfish, The Sports Trust, Wildlands and World Vision South Africa.
Last year, R500 000 was raised for this cause, and the Unogwaja team are hoping to double that in 2014.
Always the sportsman, Ferreira, a former Crystal Park Primary and Willowmoore High School pupil, is looking forward to this unique and positive challenge.
Muddy has taken on various trail stage races, half and full ironman, 94.7 Cycle Races, Pink Drive charity runs and cancer awareness 24-hour races, among others.
A member of Benoni Northerns Athletics Club, Ferreira will run the Comrades in the red-and-yellow Northerns colours.
“The Unogwaja Challenge brings positivity and proves that, no matter how high the mountain, it is not impossible to climb,” he said.
Ferrreira believes that he is mentally ready for the task, but he is still getting his body in line for the tough journey.
He has encouraged his fellow Benonians to get behind him as he takes on the challenge.
“It will be great to see my hometown support this initiative,” he added.
If you would like to support the cause, visit www.unogwajachallenge.com and click “donate now”.
