After helping establish the popular Beaver Creek parkrun in Port Edward, six-time Comrades Marathon finisher Simphiwe Mngwengwe is taking on an even bigger challenge – a gruelling 170km run to raise awareness for nature conservation.

The Port Edward-based runner will set off from Amanzimtoti on Saturday, August 22 at 07:30, with the goal of reaching Port Edward at about 11:30 on Sunday, August 23.

His Run for Nature campaign aims to highlight the need to protect South Africa’s coastline, marine life and natural ecosystems.

Mngwengwe, who lives in Thongasi, near Port Edward, says the run is about much more than covering the distance.

“The message I want to spread is simple: protecting nature is everyone’s responsibility. Through my run, I hope to raise awareness about the importance of conserving our environment and our marine resources, and to encourage people to take action – no matter how small – to protect the beautiful places we call home,” he said.

Away from running, Mngwengwe is a teacher at Nombuso High School, where he teaches Economics and Tourism.

“I am passionate about helping young people develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life,” he said.

His journey to becoming a respected endurance runner is an inspiring one. Before entering the classroom, Mngwengwe worked as a gardener in Camperdown. It was during this time that he unknowingly laid the foundation for his future success in long-distance running.

“My running journey started in 2016 when I was working as a gardener in Camperdown. I used to run 16km to work in the morning and another 16km back home in the afternoon. What started as a way of getting to and from work soon became a passion,” he said.

Over the past decade, that daily commute has transformed him into a six-time Comrades Marathon finisher and one of the South Coast’s most recognisable distance runners.

“Since then, running has become a way of life for me, and I am proud to be a six-time Comrades Marathon finisher,” he said.

His love for running has also led him to become the event director of the Beaver Creek parkrun, helping establish the free weekly 5km event that encourages people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors and embrace healthier lifestyles.

For Mngwengwe, caring for the environment is just as important as promoting fitness.

“Conservation is close to my heart because I have always admired nature. Growing up, I saw how often our natural environment was neglected and how marine poaching and pollution continue to threaten our coastline. I believe we all have a responsibility to protect our environment so that future generations can enjoy it as we do today,” he said.

His 170km run will follow the old main road from Amanzimtoti to Port Edward, with every step serving as a reminder of the importance of protecting beaches, rivers, coastal forests, dunes and marine life.

Mngwengwe hopes communities along the route will cheer him on and, more importantly, take his message to heart.

“Every step is a step for conservation,” he said.

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