Marathons Continents Days
Runner's World SA|May/June 2020
THAT’S THE WORLD MARATHON CHALLENGE – IN WHICH SOUTH AFRICAN NONTUTHUKO MGABHI NOT ONLY COMPETED, BUT TOOK FOURTH PLACE. WORDS BY RYAN SCOTT
RYAN SCOTT
Marathons Continents Days

IN FEBRUARY, Nontu Mgabhi became the first African woman to run seven marathons on all seven continents in consecutive days. We found out how she managed such a daunting feat – and what motivated her to even try.

RURAL INTEGRITY

I was born in a deep rural village called Mseleni. Growing up there helped me develop the heart for social justice. And although I live in a suburb now, I honestly still see myself as a rural girl – I see myself reflected in all the girls from the village.

This is perhaps the reason I ran theWorld Marathon Challenge; my motivation was to raise R3.5 million for 657 underprivileged children from the deep rural village of Dukuduku inMtubatuba, KZN. When I saw the learning conditions they are subjected to, I immediately saw myself in them, and I felt the need to pay it forward – to improve their school infrastructure and inspire them in all ways possible.

I am so fortunate that the universe made it possible for me to get scholarships and all the other financial aid that enabled me to ascend the many ‘mountains’ I faced when I was growing up – to study up to Master’s level and become a registered psychologist. I am forever grateful to the people who supported me and took many chances on me.

I’m now the General Manager of Human Resources at Richards Bay Coal Terminal. (In 2017, Nontumade history when at 30, she became the youngest executive ever appointed at the Terminal.)

Bu hikaye Runner's World SA dergisinin May/June 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Runner's World SA dergisinin May/June 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

RUNNER'S WORLD SA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
Runner's World SA

LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET

In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.

time-read
9 dak  |
May/June 2024
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Runner's World SA

RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES

Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.

time-read
9 dak  |
May/June 2024
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Runner's World SA

CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.

time-read
6 dak  |
May/June 2024
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Runner's World SA

THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD

Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?

time-read
9 dak  |
May/June 2024
THE MIND OF MASSYN
Runner's World SA

THE MIND OF MASSYN

IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.

time-read
10 dak  |
May/June 2024
TAKING CHARGE
Runner's World SA

TAKING CHARGE

OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.

time-read
5 dak  |
May/June 2024
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
Runner's World SA

A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES

THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.

time-read
6 dak  |
May/June 2024
MY RUNNING LIFE
Runner's World SA

MY RUNNING LIFE

ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

time-read
3 dak  |
May/June 2024
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
Runner's World SA

Ageing In The Age Of Strava

RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”

time-read
4 dak  |
May/June 2024
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
Runner's World SA

How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It

I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.

time-read
3 dak  |
May/June 2024