Umzumbe launches marathon
Prizes to be won range from R500 to R10 000, according to Umzumbe Municipality's mayor Bongani Nyuswa.
The Mfundo Arnold Lushaba Half Marathon was officially launched by Umzumbe Municipality at the Protea Hotel Karridene Beach, near Umgababa recently.
Entries for the marathon which has 5km, 10km, and 21.1km races, opened over a week ago. It will take place at Esibanini Sports Field on Sunday, February 18 from 6am.
Prizes to be won range from R500 to R10 000, according to Umzumbe Municipality’s mayor Bongani Nyuswa.
Speaking at the launch, Nyuswa said: “We are here to remember a struggle activist. Mfundo Lushaba has a good history of being involved in the struggle in the district. He tried to make sure that we had a voice. He was the first ANC mayor in Umzumbe. To us, the people of Umzumbe Municipality, we see the strides made by Mfundo during his term of office.”
At the launch, Ugu District Municipality’s mayor Sikhumbuzo Mqadi said it concerned him when people think the government is wasting money when it invests in sports.
“Someone said we want development in Ugu and not marathons, but they forget that sports is also part of development,” said Mqadi.
He added that they need to deal with the mentality of people thinking that development is only restricted to building roads, RDP houses and providing water.
Mqadi said people can develop themselves and their communities through sports; and even possibly represent their country through sports.
The organiser, Emmanuel Lushaba told Fever that they aim to grow the marathon until people can qualify for the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons.
Lushaba said the first 200 people to register will receive free T-shirts.
“The marathon is open to all South Africans. To enter, visit the Finish Time website. Those who can’t register online can do so at the Umzumbe municipal offices on Saturday, February 17 from 10am to 7pm. Race numbers will also be handed out on the day. Entries will be open on race day at Esibanini from 4am to 5.30am. All participants will get a medal at the end of the race,” said Lushaba.
He added that Celi Makhoba will be the race director.
He said the Mfundo Arnold Lushaba Marathon was started in 2019 as a fun run, and that their short-term goal includes a 42km race so that it would be easier for athletes to qualify for larger marathons.
Meanwhile, Dana Daniels of the Scottburgh Athletics Club also pledged the club’s support for the Mfundo Arnold Lushaba Marathon.
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