Mbombela-based Donna James and her son Tylor were the first South Africans to cross the finish line of the Great Wall Marathon 2026.

The race took place on May 16 and included a 42km course with a total elevation of 1 282 metres above sea level and 5 164 steps to scale.

Donna has had her mind set on participating in the race for the last two years, after she and a friend did some research on the most difficult marathons in the world.

She immediately added it to her bucket list, using its challenging conditions as a motivator to participate and complete the race.

She and her son decided to tackle the challenge together.

This was Tylor’s second marathon, and both Donna and Tylor are incredibly proud of his results.

“It was absolutely epic to run the Great Wall of China; what an amazing experience,” Tylor said. “The race was demanding and awe-inspiring, all wrapped into many, many steps. The Great Wall is officially conquered!”

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Each year, the mother-son duo chooses a couple of incredibly challenging races to tackle side by side.

It’s a tradition that is really special to them, providing an opportunity to bond, reconnect and experience amazing places around the world while pushing themselves through both physical and mental challenges together.

Donna dedicates each of her races to a charity. For the past two and a half years, all of the proceeds from her marathons have gone to the Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC).

“They do incredible work supporting children with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders, and their families. Funds raised go directly to those affected,” she said.

The Cows, a fundraising group for CHOC, run in cow-print kit to stand out from the crowd. This sparks conversation, gives runners an opportunity to talk about the charity, and helps raise much-needed funds.

Donna’s fundraiser, called “Donna is a Cow,” is on BackaBuddy.

It is linked directly to CHOC, meaning all the money goes directly to them. She has always believed in “doing what you can with what you have.”

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“I’m fortunate enough to be able to run, and I absolutely love it, so using that passion to help make a difference simply feels natural. Every kilometre becomes more meaningful when it is run for something bigger than yourself,” she said.

Donna is incredibly grateful to TRAC, her corporate sponsor. She urges everyone to either donate to the cause, or even bet against her, as no amount is too small if it is used to help someone in need.

Tylor finished 67th overall, 53rd in the male category and 14th in his age group. Donna finished 68th overall, 15th in the women’s category and 5th in her age group.

Their official finish time was 5 hours and 22 minutes.

One of Donna’s upcoming challenges this year is the Comrades Marathon, which she will also do to raise funds for CHOC. She said no donation amount is too small.