About: Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela is a struggle giant and an icon of global proportion who transcends all borders and appeals to everyone across all walks of life. His historical association with uMgungundlovu District Municipality contributed and shaped the democratic, modern day South Africa that we live in today. This has made the District Municipality one of the critical nerve centres of the struggle against apartheid.
Nelson Mandela made his last speech at Manaye Hall in Imbali in 1961 and was arrested in Howick before being incarcerated at Robben Island for 27 years. Given that there is no one who better personifies the struggle against the then-government's racist rule than the legendary Mandela, it is for this reason that his historical association with the District Municipality will be coined and immortalized through the Mandela Day Marathon.
The inaugural race was won by Brighton Chipere, who finished the marathon in 2 hours and 12 minutes. The Mandela Day Marathon is an 'up run' that has 8km-long "Struggle Hill", followed by the 2km "Challenge Climb". The race is run on fully paved roads.
