THE RACE
INFO
The Icon's Journey Marathon (a proud member of Proudly South African) presents to you it's 6th annual multi-sporting event.
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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.
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In the physical event participants in South Africa’s longest 1 day running event have a unique opportunity to trace Madiba’s footprints from where he was born, grew up, went to school and is laid to rest.
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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
The heritage route distances:
Running Starting Points:
103km - Clarkebury Institution Start
35km - Nelson Mandela’s Qunu Home
14km - Xolilizwe Sangoni Technical High School
7km - Tyumbu bridge
Hiking route:
Mqhekezweni Great Place to Clarkebury Institution
Cycling route:
Port St Johns to City of Mthatha
All races finish at Nelson Mandela Museum, Bhunga Building, Mthatha
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The only way to finish this challenge is by tapping into your inner Icon.
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PLAN YOUR RACE
Accommodation
Enhance your experience with the hospitality at the National Liberation Heritage Site, Mqhekezweni Great Place.
The participants of the Overnight Hiking Experience will be continuing with the adventure, hikers will be accommodated overnight at Clarkebury High School. This is included in the ticket price.
103KM ROUTE DESCRIPTION
The 103km route cuts across many villages amongst them Clarkebury, Nkondlo, Bhaziya, Mqhekezweni, Qunu & Qokolweni.
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The run kicks off at Clarkebury Institution - proceeds on the village gravel road towards Nkondlo where it joins the R61 tarred road towards Mthatha. Around Bhaziya Village it takes a turn at Bityi Road, passing Mqhekezweni Village until it touches the N2 North. It proceeds on the N2 for 9km and turn off at Viedgesville to Qokolweni village. It passes Mbuqe and Khwezi Locations and finishes at Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha,