A Bakerton resident has returned from the Eastern Cape after completing a gruelling 400km charity marathon in support of disadvantaged schoolchildren, finishing third overall.

Springs SAPS Sergeant Mmeselane Ramoshu was one of only 11 runners selected from across South Africa to take part in the Icon Journey 400km Charity Marathon, which took place from July 12 to 19.

The event commemorates Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom, with runners following a route from the University of Fort Hare in Alice to the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha.

Participants covered 42.2km for seven consecutive days before completing a demanding 103km final stage on the eighth day, covering a total distance of 400km. Ramoshu represented Limpopo, his province of birth, and finished third overall.

The 11 runners represented provinces from across the country, including Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

Beyond the physical challenge, the marathon aimed to make a difference in the lives of children from disadvantaged communities by raising support for school shoes and sanitary products. Ramoshu said taking part in the event was about more than just running.

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“The Icon Journey 400km Charity Marathon means a lot to me because I like to change the lives of needy schoolchildren who come from disadvantaged families.

“I am passionate about developing young people so that they can have a better future,” he shared.

He expressed that completing the marathon and finishing among the top three runners was a proud achievement and hoped it would inspire others to support initiatives that uplift young people through education and community care.

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