New journey for icon Marsha ‘The Machine’ Muller

Richards Bay's Marasha Muller has been selected to be one of 12 Icons 4 Change in this year's Icons Journey Marathon

May 16, 2026

Tamlyn Cramer 2 minutes read

Richards Bay endurance athlete Marsha Muller PHOTO: Supplied

While continuing to carve her path in the ultra-running world, Marsha ‘The Machine’ Muller will soon follow in the footsteps of South Africa’s struggle stalwarts.

This as Richards Bay’s seasoned endurance runner was recently selected to be one of 12 Icons 4 Change in this year’s Icons Journey Marathon.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Marsha Muller clocks 263km in 48 hour Running World Champs

The 400km challenge takes place from 12 – 19 July in the Eastern Cape.

Athletes will complete 42.2km per day over seven consecutive days, followed by a gruelling 103km on day eight along a gravel route from Clarkebury to Mthatha.

“I got the message to say I had been chosen as one of the icons when I got to Paris on the way to Italy for the 48hr championships,” recalled Marsha.

“I was excited but completely shocked to find out I had been chosen as one of the icons!

“I really didn’t expect to be selected!

“I’m super excited for the event though.

“There are icons from across South Africa, so we’re widespread and it’s all of us coming together, so I think it’s going to be quite a phenomenal journey.

“I love doing all the outreach programmes, so I’m looking forward to every aspect of it,” she said.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Marsha Muller smashes 200km in 24 hours

Speaking about her training for this iconic challenge, Marsha said she’s focusing on Comrades now, but will up her mileage after Comrades.

About the challenge

The Icons Journey Marathon was established in 2018, inspired by the life and legacy of the late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, marking what would have been his centenary year.

From its inception, the initiative was designed to use endurance sport as a platform to connect communities, honour South Africa’s liberation heritage, and inspire social change.

At its core, the 400km iconic challenge is a living journey that traces the footsteps of our liberation icons across the Eastern Cape, linking historically significant towns and communities in an impactful and symbolic way.

The route starts in Alice, then moves on to Fort Beaufort (KwaMaqoma), Whittlesea and Komani, Cofimvaba and Ngcobo, Clarkebury, and finishing in Mthatha.

Funds raised through the initiative are directed towards supporting children in underserved communities, through provision of school shoes, sanitary packs, and sports kits and equipment.

“What makes the athletes special is not only their athletic ability, but their willingness to use their journey to uplift others,” said Sandisiwe September, chairperson of the 400km Iconic Challenge.

“The 400km Iconic Challenge is a platform for change, where every step becomes an opportunity to drive impact in the communities we serve.”

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: