Mandela Day Marathon

NNelson Mandela International Day commemorates the lifetime of service Nelson Mandela gave to South Africa. It’s celebrated each year on Madiba’s birthday, July 18. Mandela Day was officially declared by the United Nations (UN) in November 2009. The day is not a public holiday but rather a day of service to others.

Mandela calls on all of us, every day, to make the world a better place. Making every day a Mandela Day celebrates Madiba’s life and legacy in a sustainable way that will bring about enduring change.

Did You Know?

NNelson Mandela appeared in a Spike Lee film. He has a cameo in 1992’s Malcolm X as a teacher reciting one of the civil rights activist’s speeches.

LLast year’s hashtag, #RunForUnity embodies Mandela’s vision of a unified country that belongs to all who live in it, irrespective of race, gender and culture. Not only does the race unify South Africans but it unifies Africa as people of all nationalities take part.

Food
When to visit
How to get here

Food

When to visit

How to get here

MMandela Day is about giving your time and energy to those in need, no matter how small the gesture. “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – Nelson Mandela

The race compromises three events: the 42.2km race, the 21.1km race and the 10km race. All three races end in Howick where Mandela was captured by police whilst disguised as a chauffeur.

Sweat it out on race day and make your trip worthwhile by exploring the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Midlands and its surrounding areas.

PPop by Howick and you can enjoy a stay at the Midmar Game Reserve, take a walk to the Howick Waterfall or book a Karkloof Canopy Tour and zip line over the trees and wildlife.

Pass by Pietermaritzburg and visit Butterflies for Africa. It is home to a tropical butterfly centre where visitors walk among butterflies from across the world in a lush tropical environment that also houses fish, birds, monkeys and other critters. Guides ensure that this is a fun and educational experience.

So let loose and surprise yourself with all that the Midlands has to offer.

Who to contact
What does it cost

Who to contact

What does it cost

Vibrant culture

South African cultural museums: rich traditions and history all over

Vibrant culture

South African cultural museums: rich traditions and history all over

South Africans are a diverse mix of peoples from Africa, Europe, Asia and elsewhere, and the many museums scattered around the country preserve rich histories, heritages and cultural traditions.

Vibrant culture

Historic places of worship in South Africa: cathedrals, churches, mosques, synagogues and temples catering to religious diversity

Vibrant culture

Historic places of worship in South Africa: cathedrals, churches, mosques, synagogues and temples catering to religious diversity

South Africa is a country of rich religious diversity, protected by the Constitution, so explore sacred architecture and spiritual traditions at our many historic places of worship.

Vibrant culture

South African art museums

Vibrant culture

South African art museums

There are many well-known historic and contemporary art works on display in art museums and galleries in each of South Africa's 9 provinces, with many important permanent art collections centred in the country's major cities.

Breathtaking scenery

Sacred sites in South Africa

Breathtaking scenery

Sacred sites in South Africa

South Africa’s sacred sites stretch from Lake Fundudzi in Limpopo and eMakhosini in KwaZulu-Natal to the energy centres identified by spiritualists and mosques and temples.

Breathtaking scenery

5 destinations to add to your SA bucket list

Breathtaking scenery

5 destinations to add to your SA bucket list

5 unique destinations that combine culture, adventure and nature.

Vibrant culture

Stay in an authentic African village

Vibrant culture

Stay in an authentic African village

Spending a night in a traditional African village is a great way to experience South Africa’s different cultures and fascinating traditions.

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The Battle of Rorke’s Drift

Vibrant culture

The Battle of Rorke’s Drift

Rorke’s Drift is a KZN Battlefield site, famous for a small British Battalion having defended themselves against 4 000 Zulu’s in 1879, shortly after the Battle of Isandlwana.

Vibrant culture

The place in KZN where you can picnic with cows

Vibrant culture

The place in KZN where you can picnic with cows

Mfula store is a traditional South African trading store that has been converted into an accommodation and activity spot for travellers looking for a unique experience.

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Mandela Day Marathon - Run for Unity