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27 JULY 2025
We're excited to announce that the 2025 marathon will combine physical races with virtual options! Now you can join us from anywhere in the world. We can't wait to see you on the course, whether in person or online!
  • 35km Physical Run 2025
    35km Physical Run 2025
    46 days to the event
    Sun, 27 Jul
    Nelson Mandela’s Qunu Home
    27 Jul 2025, 07:00 – 13:00
    Nelson Mandela’s Qunu Home
    A distinctive heritage run where participants have a unique opportunity to touch the birth places of some of South Africa’s most notable struggle icons on this global heritage route event including Dr O.R. Tambo, President Nelson Mandela and Chris Hani.
  • 14km Physical Run 2025
    14km Physical Run 2025
    46 days to the event
    Sun, 27 Jul
    Xolilizwe Sangoni Technical High School
    27 Jul 2025, 07:30
    Xolilizwe Sangoni Technical High School, Mthatha, 5099, South Africa
    A distinctive heritage run where participants have a unique opportunity to touch the birth places of some of South Africa’s most notable struggle icons on this global heritage route event including Dr O.R. Tambo, President Nelson Mandela and Chris Hani.
  • 103km in 1-day Virtual Run 2025
    103km in 1-day Virtual Run 2025
    Between 01-31 July 2025
    Between 01-31 July 2025
    103km Route, Clarkebury, 5024, South Africa
    A new event introduced in 2025! A 103km run to be completed in a single day, on any chosen date between 1–31 July, participants have a unique opportunity to touch the birth places of some of South Africa’s most notable struggle icons on this global heritage route.
  • 103km in 8-days Virtual Run 2025
    103km in 8-days Virtual Run 2025
    Between 01-31 July 2025
    Anywhere in the world
    Between 01-31 July 2025
    Anywhere in the world
    A new event introduced in 2025 - now you can join us from anywhere in the world! 103km run over 8 days (12.8km for 8 consecutive days).
  • 103km in 1-day Virtual Cycle 2025
    103km in 1-day Virtual Cycle 2025
    Between 01-31 July 2025
    Anywhere in the world
    Between 01-31 July 2025
    Anywhere in the world
    A new event introduced in 2025 - now you can join us from anywhere in the world! A 1 day 103km cycling event.

INFO

The Icon's Journey Marathon (a proud member of Proudly South African) presents to you it's 5th annual multi-sporting event.

The Icon’s Journey Marathon vision was inspired by President Nelson Mandela’s journey of growing up in the rural villages of the former Transkei homeland to becoming a Global Icon.

Participants have a unique opportunity to trace Madiba’s footprints from where he  was born, grew up, went to school and is laid to rest.

A unique heritage, tourism and heritage route where participants have an opportunity to also touch the birth places of some of South Africa’s Iconic freedom fighters namely Chris Hani, Walter Sisulu, Dr. A.B Xuma, Mama Albertina Sisulu, King Sabata Dalindyebo and General Bantu Holomisa.

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Info

ABOUT THE EVENT

Physical Events

This year, the physical race comes with a change as we only offer the 14km and 35km distances—a distinctive heritage run offering participants a unique opportunity to touch the birthplaces of South Africa’s most revered struggle icons, including Dr O.R. Tambo, President Nelson Mandela, and Chris Hani, along this inspiring global heritage route.

Run for Social Change

Donate to underprivileged children and young adults in the villages along the 103km route.

 

Play your part by donating to Promote Sport for Social Change!

Virtual Events

We're excited to announce that the 2025 marathon will introduce virtual options! Take on our new challenges: the 103km run in a single day on the route, the 103km run over 8 days anywhere in the world, or the 103km cycle in one day, also from anywhere in the world. Get ready to push your limits!

400km Iconic Challenge

In July 2025, 12 social runners will run a total distance of 400km in 8 days. The aim is to raise enough funds to benefit rural boys and girls with school shoes, sanitary towels & sports kits.

PRINCIPAL SPONSORS

The Icon's Journey Marathon thanks our stakeholders

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UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?
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