THE excitement is palpable as Marsha ‘The Machine’ Muller, with 11 other Icons 4 Change runners, prepares for the start of the 400km Icons Journey Marathon.

Handpicked from a number of elite endurance runners from across the country, the Richards Bay endurance runner will put the Zululand region and KwaZulu-Natal on the map in this epic event.

ALSO READ: Don’t miss the action! Get to the Ballito Pro for surf, skate and sunshine

Getting under way on Sunday morning, Friday saw the runners enjoy a short shake-up run after arriving at their lodgings in the Eastern Cape on Thursday.

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

About Icons Marathon Journey

At its core, the 400km iconic challenge is a living journey that traces the footsteps of South Africa’s 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 finishes in Mthatha.

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.

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 also their willingness to use their journey to uplift others,” said Sandisiwe September, chairperson of the 400km Iconic Challenge.

Anyone wanting to support this worthy cause is invited to donate via the organisers’ BackaBuddy link.

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

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer

TikTok – @zululand_observer