The spirit of Nelson Mandela is set to inspire runners on an international scale, as the Nelson Mandela Marathon officially kicks off its Global Running Series, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Launched on Saturday, 17 October, at Cape Town City Hall, this innovative series aims to connect cities, runners, and communities across the globe, championing the core values that Mandela himself stood for: Courage, Dignity, Equality, Unity, and Freedom.
The unveiling of the series was a pivotal moment for the Nelson Mandela Marathon, coinciding with a landmark weekend during which 26 600 runners filled the vibrant streets of Cape Town for the inaugural event held on Sunday, 18 October.
This successful first edition has laid a solid foundation for a movement that aspires to carry Mandela’s legacy beyond South Africa’s borders, using the universal language of running to unite people.
During the launch, key representatives from the Western Cape Government, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Robben Island Museum, Golazo, and Global Running Series ambassadors, including legendary athletes Dr Paul Tergat, Hendrick Ramaala, Catherine Ndereba, and Prudence Sekgodiso, gathered to celebrate this significant initiative.
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Cape Town will serve as the permanent finale for the Global Running Series, hosting the exclusive 42.2-kilometre marathon distance, with ambitions to expand the movement to 30 cities worldwide by 2030.
‘Our ambition is to create a global running movement where crossing the finish line stands for something bigger,’ stated Bob Verbeeck, Founder and CEO of Golazo Group. Participants can expect various race formats, including 21.1km, 10km, and 5km distances, allowing runners from all walks of life to engage with the series.
The aim is to connect diverse cities through shared values that resonate as strongly today as they did during Mandela’s time.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation is committed to ensuring that the Global Running Series consistently echoes Mandela’s values. ‘Honouring his legacy requires more than remembrance. It requires us to act, to challenge injustice and to take responsibility for building a more just, equal and inclusive world,’ said Gaopalelwe Phalaetsile, Head of Communications and Marketing at the foundation.
‘Through this Global Running Series, we hope to inspire not just participation in sport, but a continued collective effort towards societal change.’
The Global Running Series aims to engage not only seasoned athletes but also rising stars whose journeys reflect Mandela’s core principles. Dr Paul Tergat highlighted the embodiment of this mission, stating, ‘As Global Ambassadors, our responsibility extends beyond our achievements on the track and road. We are here to inspire participation, connect communities, and encourage the next generation to embrace sport as a force for positive change.’
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Picture: Supplied
