Thousands of people are expected to participate in the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run scheduled to take place at the Union Buildings on Sunday to mark the 11th year since President Mandela's passing and celebrates 30 years of democracy in South Africa.
The annual event organisers, Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) and the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation said it has over the years attracted hundreds of thousands of participants who honour Madiba’s legacy and contribution.
The walk and run will start from 6.30 am on Sunday from the Union Buildings and consist of a fun 5 km walk, a 10 km walk, and a 21 km run.
Online entries are now open and available at www.mandelawalkandrun.com. Entry is R100 for the 5 km walk, R150 for the 10 km run, and R200 for the 21km run.
All proceeds from the event will go towards the work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation in keeping Madiba’s legacy alive by promoting sustainable solutions to society’s challenges through dialogue and tangible work in the community.
Event merchandise, comprising a commemorative shirt and bag, is included in the entry price. However, it is limited to the first 5000 entrants and should be collected at race number collection.
NMF chief executive Professor Mbongiseni Buthelezi said this year’s event will be especially significant to mark 11 years since Madiba’s passing and celebrate his massive contribution to the pursuit of human dignity, equality and a better life for all.
“This is an event we all look forward to eagerly on the calendar, and we are encouraging people to gather in numbers to celebrate and reflect on Madiba’s major contribution and impact on all our lives,” he said.
MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation Matome Chiloane said his Gauteng department is honoured to partner with the NMF.
“The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run is a tribute to Madiba’s extraordinary leadership and to all those who stood with him in the fight for freedom, justice, and equality. While honouring this legacy, we must also confront the work that remains, committing ourselves to the values of unity, inclusivity and dignity for all,” he said.
For those who cannot make it to the Union Buildings, they only need to register at https://www.fundnation.org/mandela to run the virtual race from wherever they are.