The theme for the Two Cities Virtual Ultra Marathon, “Nominate your Covid-19 Hero, Run for your person”, is befitting in the country and world that are fighting the pandemic.
Two Cities Virtual Ultra Marathon has unveiled their partner, The Moving Ahead Development Agency (MADA), and the date on which the inaugural tri-distance virtual road race will take place.
The ultra-marathon will take place on March 14 honouring Covid-19 survivors. MADA, in conjunction with the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, will host a virtual road run on Sunday.
Those interested in running their chosen distance can register online (www.twocities.co.za). Entry fees are: 10km – R60, 21km – R70, R45km – R90. In addition, event merchandise will be available: T-shirts – R80, buffs – R70. Entries will be available up to and including event day.
MADA is an NPO that strives to support boys from all over South Africa to equip them to become part of the business world in many forms.
“On this occasion we will be focusing on the social aspect of life to be part of hosting the Two Cities Virtual Ultra Marathon,” said CEO of MADA Tshepo Mokoena.
“People are in distress. The pandemic affected a lot of lives and that is why we came forward and said let’s run for something, somebody in your family who either died from Covid-19 or who recuperated.
“The marathon will encourage them to come out and where they always run in a group, they will now be able to run as an individual, but be part of a group.
“Even though this is a Gauteng-based idea, runners from all over the country are encouraged to come out on the day and run for their person. This is the reality of doing things differently now. We are back at home with our families and we do virtual conversations and meetings.
“I think this is also the way forward to participate in virtual events. This is the vibe forward and we all have to adapt to this revolutionary way of keeping fit and busy and do things in future,” said Mokoena.
He said all entrants will also receive a virtual certificate after the race instead of the usual medal.
According to Mokoena, the NPO empowers youth and communities through the four legs the NPO stands on: social development, skills development, career guidance and enterprise development.
Career guidance is done through mentoring the boys who are from all over the country to equip them through education. Altogether, 45 boys are at university at this stage and MADA has supported them since Grade Nine.
Skills are acquired by partnering with several companies who then offer the post-graduates work.
Enterprise development enables those boys to gain work experience at a variety of businesses.
MADA is accredited with numerous educational sectors of learning and training.
“Embrace this virtual event and run for the person who you choose, but also enjoy the race and to get out and do something positive,” said Mokoena.
