THE STORY
THE RUNNERS REACTIONS
The runners and cyclists came as far as Western Cape and Swaziland for the inaugural The Icon's Journey Marathon to experience the former Transkei homeland of the Eastern Cape where some of the South African freedom fighters were born. Athletes who took part in the event had the privilege of touching the birth places of Walter Sisulu, Mama Albertina Sisulu (Ngcobo Municipality Start), Nelson Mandela (KSD Local Municipality), Thabo and Govan Mbeki (Mbashe Local Municipality Finish). The experience of seeing and touching some of the landmarks of the route reduced some of the athletes to tears.
ENDURANCE
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The most gruelling and mind testing gravel route is designed in such a way that no matter where you start, 103km or even the 7km, cycling or running, you have to tap into your inner Icon in order to finish the challenge.
A RUNNERS REACTION TO THE ICON'S JOURNEY MARATHON
- Joanie Neemchandar
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NKOSI BANDILE VULITHUBA SANGONI
Founder
The son of Chief Zwelihle Sangoni, grandson of Chief Mthawelanga Sangoni (a senior to his kinsman Nelson Mandela at Clarkebury SSS).
The Traditional Leader of Qokolweni Administrative Area is a 6x Comrades Marathon finisher, 1x Icon's Journey 103km finisher, a participant in the 400km Iconic Challenge 2024, Chairman of Health is Wealth Athletics Club.
He believes that this endurance event will be a catalyst for rural socio-economic development as it cuts across over 150 villages in three District Municipalities of the Eastern Cape.
The visionary sees this heritage, tourism event being a contender for one of the best ultra events in South Africa in a few years time.
NKOSI NTSIKA JOYI AHH!! MINENKULU
CSI Director
The Senior Traditional Leader of Baziya Traditional Council and a Madiba. Nkosi Minenkulu was positively impacted when Dalibhunga Nelson Mandela acquired assistance from McDonald's SA (Pty) Ltd to construct a school in Mputi Village within his Juristriction of Traditional Leadership during the time of his Grandfather as the Chief. The school's name is Gobinamba Senior Secondary School and is adjacent to the Icon's Marathon route on the R61.
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He realised the positive social impact the race can have on the abaThembu Nation, the nation Nelson Mandela was born into.
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Nkosi Minenkulu is the Acting Kings' kinsman and confident is also a member of the House of Traditional Leaders Eastern Cape.
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Recently taken up mountain biking, Nkosi Joyi is gearing to participate in the next Icon's Journey 103km MTB event.
KHULISO NETSHIVHANGANI
Physiotherapist
Senior Physiotherapist at Kphysios
Bachelor of Physiotherapy University of Pretoria,
Final year Masters Student University of Pretoria
Travelling Physio with SASCOC to many international championships including Paralympics, Commonwealth games, last event African Games Rabat Morocco, Hockey World Cup in India with South Africa National team.
Former Blue Bulls Rugby Team Physio
My team did services during the launch of The Icon’s Marathon in 2018 under the theme “100km by 100 Runners for Mandela 100 Years”.
Currently dealing with Running related injuries and general sports injuries management in my practice in Pretoria.
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Facebook: Kphysios
Instagram: Kphysios
DR. THABO MANYANE
Coach
A medical doctor by profession and an accredited long distance running, cycling and nutritional coach.
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I am an Ultramarathon runner myself who had the pleasure of running Comrades Marathon, Washie 100miler and the 2018 launch of The Icon's Journey Marathon route under the theme "100km by 100 runners for Mandela 100 years".
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In 2021 he was a member of the 16 social runners who ran the 400km Iconic Challenge over 8 days to raise funds for 4000 underprivileged school kids.
I'm also the Founder and Chairperson of Addicted to Life running club.
For all your training please follow these pages:
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Website: thaboyourfitnesscoach.co.za
Instagram : @thabo_yourfitnesscoach
Facebook : @thabo_yourfitnesscoach
PULANE PAM MATHIBELA
CSI Head
A fit fanatic mom who was born in Soweto and now based in Pretoria. I'm a Tax Practitioner (SA) and Business Accountant in Practice by profession.The founder of Paneo Consulting Pty Ltd.I'm a deputy chairperson for the club called Aerobics for All which is based in Pretoria.I love running and completed 2 x ultramarathons in 2019.I aspire to complete the double one day, Comrades Marathon and The Icons Journey Marathon 103km.
I've been part of the Icons Journey Marathon since 2020 & I believe the event unites the nation in so many ways. I share the same sentiments with its vision and believe humanity is key.
The future of The Icons Journey Marathon is bright and I am glad to be part of its journey.