All participants will be running wherever they are between 04:30 until 19:00.
For taking part in the race they will be receiving a certificate of participation and a medal.
According to the founder of the race, Amos Sambo, all preparations are in place and they are calling on more participants to register.
Registrations are open and participants can register until Monday 5 October.
Athletes are encouraged to register on www.shikhumbamarathon.co.za or at www.entrytime.co.za or through the WhatsApp line on 076 989 5893.
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The race started in 2014 as a fun run, which served as a platform to raise funds to buy learners stationery, sanitary pads and school uniforms.
The following year it was expanded to include more distances such as 10km and 21km. In 2018 the 42km race was introduced and is a Comrades Marathon qualifier resulting in many runners from outside of the Mopani district participating.
“After visiting a number of rural schools I noticed that the conditions were worrisome, some of these learners did not have proper uniforms.
“I also found out that most girls were not coming to school during their periods, due to lack of sanitary pads.
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“I therefore organised the race in order to improve the lives of our learners,” he explained.
The charity race has also attracted big names such as MEC for health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba who officially opened the 2018 race. In 2019 the MEC for COGSTHA, Basikopo Makamu; MEC for social development, Nkakareng Rakgoale and mayor of Giyani, Basani Shivambu, participated in the event.
“Last year we had about 1000 runners who came from all over the country. We are grateful for the support we receive,” he added.
He told the Herald that the pandemic affected the event greatly as it has caused a lot of challenges when it came to getting sponsors.
Sambo from Shikhumba village outside Giyani also added that the first 50 people who register for the 42km will get a free T-shirt, as well as the first 30 people in the 21km, and the first 20 and 10 runners in the 10km and 5km races respectively.
