UNIZULU Student to run 100km ultramarathon to inspire other students

Simphiwe Mngwengwe who hails from  Cato Ridge ,  Durban will embark on the Icon’s Journey Marathon flying the University of Zululand flag. The 100km ultra marathon will take place in the  Eastern Cape on the 30 July.

The Icon’s Journey Marathon vision was inspired by President Nelson Mandela’s journey of growing up in the rural villages. This is South Africa’s longest 1 day running event that has a unique opportunity to trace Madiba’s footprints from where he was born, grew up, went to school and is laid to rest.

Mngwengwe, a high school teacher in addition to being an athlete, developed a love for running in 2014 while working as a gardener in Camperdown. “I would run from home to the place of work in the morning and in the afternoon, that would be 32km in total covered everyday”, Explained Mngwengwe

His participation in the Comrades Marathon 2023, where he finished in a time of 07h:20min:50sec and earned himself a silver medal for the first time in his running career. This was also a remarkable accomplishment for UNIZULU as the UNIZULU Athletic Club won its first silver medal as a result.

Mngwengwe pointed out that “The whole aim of running this race is to finish 100km as a symbol of showing my fellow students that they can also get 100% pass rate while they are excelling in sport at the university, balancing schoolwork and sport is vital for students”.

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.

Mngwengwe is a runner under the UNIZULU Athletics Club under the guidance of Jabulani Mnguni “I’m very proud and happy for him and I know he will do well as he did in the Comrades Marathon “concluded Mnguni.

• Nomvelo Xulu