Marathons Continents Days

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

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.